PatrickLondon

>>why is that in the UK, cars overtake on the right, but people on the left?<<

It's only on the escalators. I once annoyed someone on the stairs at a tube station by drifting left in front of her, not seeing her, and got a catty remark about hoping I didn't drive the way I walked. So I said that if I did at least I wouldn't try and overtake on the left. No reply: points to me, I think.

alanRow

>why is that in the UK, cars overtake on the right, but people on the left? >>>>

Because most people are right handed and therefore use their stronger hand to hold onto the escalator rail

BTilke

But then you'd think that they'd want to use their dominant hand to shift gears on a car as well.

(I don't really care, I have no problems with it either way. I just find the left side "passing lane" on escalators somewhat odd given the preference for right side overtaking almost everywhere else.)

RM67

You only have your hand on the gear lever (not 'stick') for a second or two. Wheras on the tube you're holding onto the handrail the whole time in case someone tries to barge past with half a dozen giant Hamleys bags capable of knocking you 300 feet into the abyss below!

NeoPatrick

I think you're all wrong. I think the reason they decided to make the slower people stay to the right on the escalators, is because they figured Americans would be the worst offenders and it would be easier to get more of them to stay to the right rather than the left! So there.

RaleighGirl

Your suggestions should help to save me from some embarrassment. I have always been fascinated with all things British and French: the wonderful history, fabulous architecture, fashion, music, art, museums, culture, royalty, the beautiful cities and gorgeous countryside, etc., etc. The French intrigue me their independent and intellectual thinking, and I look forward to sampling some of their delicious cuisine. Americans will always be grateful for their extremely generous gift of the Statue of Liberty. It brought tears to my eyes to see her amazing beauty gracing the New York Harbor. I couldn't begin to address the fascinating historical bonds between the U.S. and Great Britain, which I studied in great detail as a child. I look so forward to meeting the charming Brits, who appear to me to possess a wonderful sense of humor. However, I won't intrude on your space and "introduce myself" on the tube, bus or train, and will do my best to keep out of your way on the escalators and the sidewalks (if I had a smiley face icon, I would insert it here). Thanks to all who have supplied so much helpful information that I, at last, have the confidence to venture overseas. I am so looking forward to visiting your countries and absorbing a little of your unique way of life.