Going One Floor?
If you are going up or down one floor, use the stairs! This rule should especially be observed during peak traffic times like morning and afternoon rush.
Exceptions:
1. When you have a cart, stroller or large packages
2. When the elevator is empty
3. If you are disabled or injured
>> Continue to: Calling and Waiting - Pushing the Call Button …
May 26th, 2005 at 8:59 am
I once took an elevator up 40 floors to visit a friend in a large office building. Once I stepped off, I realized her office was on the 42nd floor, not the 40th. My mistake. I decided to walk up the extra two floors. I entered the stairway and walked up. However when I tried to open the door to exit the stairway, it was locked. That was frustrating. I walked down one floor. Locked. I walked down the the 40th again. Locked (yes, it locked behind me when I walked up originally). 39th floor - locked. I started to get very nervous that I would never escape - or that I would have to walk down all 40 stories. Finally, about 15 floors down, I found a door that was open. I will never take stairs in a large office building again unless I am personally familiar with the building.
December 16th, 2005 at 12:36 pm
Yeah, but how do you know when the elevator’s going to be empty?
Is it ever acceptable to pretend to have a slight limp?
December 16th, 2005 at 6:31 pm
Some places, especially some medical buildings, seem to be designed with elevator use in mind. I once spent 30 minutes trying to find the stairs in a small medical building (it was a 2-story building.) In the process of doing that I came across about four elevators. I could’ve used any one of those elevators, but by that point I was trying to find out if the bulding even had any stairs. In short, this rule only applies in cases where the stairs aren’t hidden or reasonably accessible.
December 17th, 2005 at 8:48 am
as a member of the ‘me’ generation, let me educate you that i quite don’t give a sh** about anyone else in the elevator. if i have to go one floor you will wait for me. i don’t care if i have to go a 1/2 floor and you just broke your water, what is important here is my comfort, my feelings, and my self-esteem. using the stairs is for the lower class; i will never subject myself to that!
January 9th, 2006 at 10:21 am
Shame on all of you who get mad at people who use the elevator for moving only one floor.
Who are you to decide how many floors a person can travel.
Has it occured to you that people have medical reasons for using elevators that are not always visible.
Instead of getting mad why not smile and say “Hi”, you might be happily suprised at the response you get!!!
January 9th, 2006 at 10:59 am
And to the guy who asks if it is acceptable to limp……Well we all just have to put up with the fakers so we do not offend the one who are really hurting??
January 15th, 2006 at 11:02 am
Initially, it was beyond my comprehension why anyone would worry about this. Perhaps someone with too much time on his or her hands? I just assumed that folks would treat each other with the same respect that they expect. One peek here told me that I am a hopeless dewey eyed optimist. In the six prior posts, I see all of human venality, e.g. excuses that a bad experience makes the sufferer an exception, whining about how DIFFICULT common courtesy is, unabashed (and hopefully ironic) selfishness, various kinds of exceptionalism designed to get out of compliance, and, for good measure, requests for advice on how to fake it sufficiently to avoid the stairs. I fear for my nation!
D.
January 17th, 2006 at 10:50 am
Since I work in a hospital and the elevators are often overloaded, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask others who are only going up one floor to take the stairs. What if your loved one were waiting for a physician to respond to an emergency and three people jumped on the elevator to go up one floor? You might just exercise a little common courtesy. This, of course, does not apply to the exceptions, disabled, transporting, etc.
January 19th, 2006 at 6:02 am
Wouldn’t there also be exceptions if
a) The building (or at least the elevator) only has two floors, or b) the stairs are exposed?
January 19th, 2006 at 8:39 am
Yes you are right. The building I work in has all the doors locked and shut in the stairway. Every 5 floors there is a call box to call security to help you. Don’t go in the stairway unless there is an emergency. Believe me I found out the hard way.
January 19th, 2006 at 8:52 am
I like the guy that just presses the call button non-stop.
January 19th, 2006 at 9:48 am
I remember years ago seeing signs posted at the elevators of the Ohio State University hospitals which stated bluntly: “Up one, down two - WALK”
January 19th, 2006 at 10:06 am
THERE SHOULDN’T BE ANT EXECEPTIONS/I MEAN HOW IS SOMEBODY GOING TO HAVE A RULE SUCH AS THAT/SHOULDN’T MATTER REALLY/WHO EVER WOULD FEEL THAT SHOULD BE A RULE/SHOULD ACCEPT THAT THE WORLD DOES NOT REVOLVE ANYBODY AND TO ME CUT AND DRY IS JUST BITCHIN’/
January 19th, 2006 at 10:08 am
It has been my observation that the people who are taking the elevator up or down 1 flght are the VERY PEOPLE that whould be WALKING THE STAIRS!! Maybe if these people took the stairs once in while, they wouldn’t be so inclined as to want to take the elevator one flight!
January 19th, 2006 at 10:24 am
I’d amend this “rule” to only refer to going down one floor.
I’ve never had qualms with people going up one floor. Depending on the building climbing two flights of stairs can be quite a chore.
But going down? Gravity does most of the work!
January 19th, 2006 at 10:38 am
Well, in a crowd, there is every possibility that at least one person who is either waiting to board or who is already on board is also goin up (or down) to the next floor too, so why miss out on the ride just because its a little crowded? If i have to i’ll wait for the next elevator.
Safety experts always tell us not to take stairways as the isolation is too dangerous for women alone.
Sorry, but i’m taking the ride up (& down) one floor.
January 19th, 2006 at 11:04 am
Take the elevator. There isn’t a building in Phoenix that doesn’t lock its stairways: Once your in a stairway, your going on a one way trip to the bottom floor, to the outside.
January 19th, 2006 at 11:19 am
wow, so i guess to american boomer that it is ok for me to be stuck in my wheelchair waiting to be able to get on an elevator in the mall when so many people who are walking refuse to take the stairs right beside the elevator…how fun it is to wait a half an hour for an elevator because rude people fill them up so they can go one story. hey boomer, would you like my handicapped parking plaquard too, it’s useless to me because people take handicapped spaces also.
January 19th, 2006 at 11:28 am
Sweet merciful crap, so this site really isn’t about elevator rules?
January 19th, 2006 at 12:15 pm
I think we can all finally know that lack of elevator etiquette along with most other problems we see in our society can be blamed on Bush. Yes friends, evil and discord erupt even in our elevators. Is impeachment in the air?
January 19th, 2006 at 2:08 pm
As an American citizen, I have the right to ride the elevator up and down a single floor if I want to. Without intending offense to anyone else, the fact that another would-be passenger is in a wheelchair doesn’t give them more rights to the use of the elevator. What’s that old saying about “your rights end where mine begin”— something like that. On the other hand, I can’t understand people who aren’t polite and courteous to each other, no matter what they’re doing. (And incidentally, I have a seizure disorder that makes it very difficult at times for me to take the stairs, gravity or not. You can’t tell by looking at me that I have a medical reason for using the elevator. Does that mean I don’t have the right to use the elevator, just because I’m not in a wheelchair?)
January 19th, 2006 at 2:57 pm
Just use your muscles… yes you have some hidden somewhere beneath that load of fat! Use the stairs! There’s no glory at being the fattest ass in the USA! The stairs will help you more than it’ll help the others!
January 19th, 2006 at 3:52 pm
Law of the jungle baby…the strong should use the elevator and the weak should take the stairs. This will strengthen the weak so they could someday join the strong. This seems fair to me!
January 19th, 2006 at 8:10 pm
Uh, Manny …. if the strong take the elevator and the weak take the stairs, then the weak get strong and the strong get weak, right? So then the newly weak take the stairs, right? (unless they’re taking the elevator to the exercise room, so they can stay strong, of course)
January 19th, 2006 at 10:39 pm
If you yanks would just all take lifts starkers like we do here in the UK, that would solve soooo many of your problems.
January 19th, 2006 at 11:47 pm
ha ha ha! this is too funny. Boomer, you made yourself such an easy target. Remember babyboomers are living longer and one day will hope for someone courteous to let them in the elevator.
January 22nd, 2006 at 12:38 pm
There is a good deal of discussion here regarding stairs, but I challange each of you to actually consider walking up a flight of stairs. It is very hard work and I find I must rest about half way up. And again two thirds of the way up. This wastes a good deal of my time. Still, if I am on an elevator and someone takes it one floor, I am very careful to scoff loudly to indicate my displeasure. Hypocritical? Perhaps, but that is the type of person I am.
January 22nd, 2006 at 11:57 pm
I’m with david >_>
January 23rd, 2006 at 10:53 am
Only in America would someone have an elevator inside a gymnasium.
I’ve seen a pic of a moving stairway outside a gym!
C’mon America, get real, no-one wants to see your butt!
January 23rd, 2006 at 11:12 am
This whole site is so ridiculous. It is nothing more than an excuse for you to bash on one another. We SHOULD be courtious to one another; we SHOULD be helpful. But, really, how many people who are inconsiderate are going to come here and say, wow, I was so wrong? Not many. Most will make excuses for their actions or just not care. And, Karakittle, not saying that you’ve done it before, but I’ve come to a building where I was going from bottom to top-about 8 stories-and there be two elevators. The first one had filled up and started up, leaving me and this guy in a wheelchair. When the second elevator arrived, I was polite and let the guy in the wheelchair on first. He rolled into the large elevator and sat in the middle, closing the door in my face. No, it isn’t fair that you have to wait just because you’re in a wheelchair, but people in wheelchairs can be just as big of asses as those without.
Finally, ladies and gents, you’d be surprised how much better you’d feel if, when it was a possible option, you took the stairs every now and then. Yeah, it sucks at first, but it’s because you’re getting in shape. Don’t do it to be nice to someone else or any of that, just do it to make yourself feel better (eventually). Or don’t. Your call.
)O(
January 23rd, 2006 at 7:25 pm
There is a practical joke elevator etiquette if you are alone (or the last one to exit), press all the floor bottons. Then rush to another floor by the stairs, and enter the elevator, and see the frustration of the people that have to stop at every floor. It’s is terribly funny.
January 24th, 2006 at 11:06 am
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Now That’s Funny!!!
January 24th, 2006 at 9:15 pm
Ha! Ha! All this talk about elevators. I assume everyone wants to take them because they’re fast. Try getting on the elevator in my building, you’d wish you’d taken the stairs!
January 25th, 2006 at 6:02 pm
Get off your fat lazy a$$e$ and take the stairs one flight!!
American boomer, if you have any friends, please ask them why, and we’d love to hear. And yes, we can tell you’re a baby boomer even without your tag.
January 26th, 2006 at 10:23 am
has anybody considered going on an _Escalator_ ?
January 26th, 2006 at 9:52 pm
What about love in an elevator, people?!
January 27th, 2006 at 10:14 pm
In reply to the Escalator question..
DON’T DO IT. I was on an escalator at the Mall last week and there was a POWER FAILURE !!! I was STUCK between floors for 45 minutes.
January 28th, 2006 at 10:12 pm
umm..in response to BobbyJoe’s answer to Escalator question: I dunno what kinda escalator that mall has…but most of the time your are able to walk up and down the escalator (since they themselves move at a snail’s pace) and exit. or if you’re juz a lazy ass who wants to let it move, suckz for ya!
January 29th, 2006 at 12:38 am
If you really want to faze other users, stand with your face towards them - not your back. Be prepared to be surprized at strange human behavior.
January 29th, 2006 at 3:38 am
I work as a builder in New Zealand currently working on a multi storey project were the lifts are not installed yet all workers have to use the stairs even the big ol fat buggers and i love watching the unfit fatty’s puffing like steam engines just going up one level.(use the stairs more often for your own healths sake.)
January 29th, 2006 at 3:41 am
Quoting Kathy (response #5) “Has it occured to you that people have medical reasons for using elevators that are not always visible.”
I think I would have to say Yes, but we usually call them psychiatric reasons in such cases.
It’s fun to tell jokes in an elevator. The varied responses of others are quite amazing!
January 29th, 2006 at 4:40 am
UrAllWeird: Dude, call the cops! Somebody stole your sense of humour…
January 30th, 2006 at 5:38 am
To deter one floor travellers, in a loud voice say “I see the stairs are broken”
February 4th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
To the people bitching about others not taking the stairs - get used to it. Bitching about it is not going to change anything. You don’t know what it’s like to be that person, so don’t judge them. Maybe they just had surgery. Maybe they just worked a 12 hour day. Maybe they were up all night partying with your Mamma. Bottom line is, it is their right as much as it is yours to utilize the elevator, one floor or not.
To the people who religiously refuse to take the stairs - This country is overweight because people find comfort in lethargy. Most of those people (out of shape) who should take the stairs, don’t. Most could care less about making others wait for them. These are the same people that drive the speed limit or slower in the fast lane on the freeway. The same ones that bring 20 items into the 9 or less lane at the grocery store. The same ones that feel that tipping for a service is a nuisance. They feel the world revolves around them and others should just get used to waiting for them, because they think it is their privelage. While they are correct, it is within their rights to take the elevator one floor, they simply miss the boat when it comes to understanding the world around them and how to find pleasure in helping others selflessly.
Taking the stairs is the same as: 1) letting someone with 1 item in the grocery store go before you because you have 40. 2) Moving to the right when it’s obvious the car behind you wants to go faster. 3) Holding the door open for someone carrying a heavy load, even though you may have to wait a period before they reach the door you are opening. 4) giving up your seat to a person (any person) on the bus. 5) Stopping to give someone a jumpstart or help them when their car breaks down.
Live selflessly. Karma is a wonderful thing, provided you’ve put in your due.
February 5th, 2006 at 4:03 am
This site is fascinating! I thought common courtesy reigned when using lifts/elevators, such as moving to the left or right if you are going many floors above where you got in, and allowing those who are only going one or two floors to remain at the front so they do not have to shove people out of the way to get out. Maybe we do things differently here in New Zealand, we seem to be more courteous in elevators than in the US. I have struck rude arrogant people of course, and realised a long time ago that there were various ways of dealing with them and making them feel stupid etc. If I push the button to stop someone I do NOT want to travel in an elevator with, like people who have an overpowering body odour problem, then I always give them a big smile as the doors shut before they can get in! Same goes for women with screaming kids! No fun to share an elevator with them! I will hold a door open if I see someone coming, but if they do not move a bit faster, then I am quite happy to let them wait. I usually call out “Chop Chop” and clap my hands twice, and they always understand what is wanted and move faster towards the elevator doors! Most times I get a big grin from them as well! They seem to realise it is done in a fun way and do not get snaky.! Regardless of age or ethnic background, it still works!
Hope this amuse some of you, if nothing else.
February 5th, 2006 at 4:06 am
How hard is it to go up a flight of stairs?? You might…wait for it…actually burn a calorie of the 5000 extra that you eat every day!! Just 4999 more flights, and you’re on your way to losing those love handles!!
February 6th, 2006 at 5:44 pm
I dont mind people going up or down one floor….I dont really see the faces of the people when I enter an elevator so I dont know who and when anyone enters an elevator when I’m in it.
February 10th, 2006 at 2:00 pm
Chances are, if you’re too lazy to take the stairs one or two floors up, you could probably use the exercise!
February 11th, 2006 at 3:05 am
Leaving to one side the fascinating sociological implications of these entries, I must say that I find it worrying that stairwells can be locked in the USA. How many are prepared to die over there?
February 11th, 2006 at 4:00 am
This is a very sad site………………
February 11th, 2006 at 8:44 pm
Unless your going to the top floor of a sky-scraper, id use the stairs… its usually the quicker option than waiting for the elevator, plus you dont have those awkward silences and the guilty obligation to make small-talk with fellow elevator passengers!!
February 12th, 2006 at 8:59 am
I find this site abslutely facinating! (Shame on you Bill. I believe that your inability to add significantly to an very intriguing intellectual conversation on the merits of basic social courtesies probably prompted you inane comment that the site is bad.)
As a West Indian (from the Caribbean) where a “Good Morning” to everyone and anyone is as common as breathing
, taking the stairs up or down one flight is a no brainer. We take the stairs! Of course, most of our buildings are less that three stories, so most don’t even have elevators.
Yet taking the stairs one flight simply to convenience others at only the slightest of inconveniences to yourself is just one indicator of social mores that America lacks. Baby Boomers aside, Americans really need to dispel the me-me-me-capitalist-I- want-it-all-and-screw-you-if-you-get-in-my-way-wheelchair-or-not attitude.
I am sure that one day, we will all be in a situation where time is precious and we would want the person to have taken the stairs one flight instead of the three second ride in the elevator.
February 12th, 2006 at 12:17 pm
Frankly I find the idea of locked stairway doors scary in the extreme…what on earth is the reason for that? And why isn’t there a warning sign on said stairs ‘WARNING: THESE STAIRS WILL GET YOU NO_WHERE, THEY ARE EXCLUSIVELY FOR FITNESS TRAINING PURPOSES’? I hope there aren’t any UK architects reading this, it’ll only give ‘em ideas!
February 12th, 2006 at 12:20 pm
I used to always take the stairs when going only 1 or 2 flights. Things have since changed I now have a lot of hip and knee pain as well as being learning lat October that I have MS. — I still look the same but, Sadly I don’t have the energy for the stairs. I can tell you the stairs are much faster then waiting for the elevator to go 1 floor.
February 24th, 2006 at 8:31 pm
A few posts here addequately define why america is the fattest nation. I dont think that it would be a stretch to assume that most of the people who argue that taking the elevator one floor isnt a big deal because of the “me” factor are grotesquely overweight. Get some excercise….take the stairs!!!
February 27th, 2006 at 1:11 am
My office is on the sixth floor of the building and I previously used to take the lift both up and down like everyone else. I never used to question my action. Then I met one of the senior partners of my firm who put me to shame in terms of energy levels(he’s fifty-eight, I’m twenty-two)on a couple of business trips and since then I have not used a lift again.
It’s quite a refreshing feeling to climb up and down six floors everyday. I also don’t see any reason why a normal, healthy person shouldn’t use the stairs for only one or two floors. It could be because we’re so used to taking the lift all the time that the stairs don’t even register in our heads as an option
Even if a person does use the lift just to go down one floor it’s not something to get all puffy about. For all we know they might have a medical condition we can’t notice so it’s not up to us to judge everyone who’s not like us so readily.
The point I’m trying to make is the next time any of you walk up to a lift just give the stairs a thought as well. And what’s up with all those locked staircases in the U.S ?
February 27th, 2006 at 4:55 pm
The primary intent of fire stairs is as excape path from a burning or smoke affected building. Fire stair doors are generally self closing and locked to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between floors and to prevent reentry to a floor that may be fire affected. Use of the fire stairs to travel between fire stairs usually requires a key.
March 1st, 2006 at 6:25 am
Ok, it is way beyond me why there is more than one comment left on this page, this is by far the worst excuse for boredom I have ever seen on the net. I cant believe Yahoo would set this link on their site, I honestly thought it was a joke and would be pointers on what humourous things one could do in an elevator. You people are seriously tired and need a new vice, as for the elevators, wake up, they are there to be used by YOU!
March 3rd, 2006 at 9:58 am
I once took the elevator only one floor. I got on, pressed the button, and stood back.
There were several people on the elevator, and one guy snorts and said “Only going one floor, eh?”
I smiled at him and said “I only have one lung”.
He immediately sputtered a hasty apology.
Of course, I have two lungs, but they didn’t know that. So next time you decide you want to be a smart ass and make a crack, remember there are guys like me out there who can make you look like you’re two feet tall.
March 3rd, 2006 at 4:58 pm
This is a useless, stupid website and a waste of time just reading it. Get a life.
March 8th, 2006 at 4:41 am
^In reply to CHris, I think your comment is wholly unreasonable. Lifts are complicated, at times, making sure you think about other poeple is good. Elavator rules is for the benifit and the laughter of most people.
March 14th, 2006 at 8:41 pm
people are lazy, simple as that, i personally only take the elevator for 3+ floors, 1-2 i just take the stairs, healthier too
March 16th, 2006 at 3:08 am
in building where i worked, the elevator couldn’t specific which floor it located when it opened, it made me always went to the wrong floor, the best way to handle this is remembering the colour of my rug’s floor.
March 28th, 2006 at 4:09 pm
Since gravity does most of the work when walking downstairs, it can be stressful for the knee ligaments. This is one reason that websites that propose healthy activities in everyday life, suggest climbing the stairs but NOT walking down the stairs.
June 7th, 2006 at 4:30 pm
Screw one floor! I push all the buttons!
June 8th, 2006 at 8:04 am
Ok. You walk up the stairs and I’ll race you in the elevator.
June 13th, 2006 at 9:48 pm
I hear ya! Why do they lock the doors in buildings,for people that want to take the stairs, Anyway. I understand if its some sort of government building,terrorist threats and all..but People are forced to take the elevator `cause the stairs are locked, whats up with that? Sometimes taking the stairs is NOT an option.
July 9th, 2006 at 4:38 pm
It is interesting that the exceptions say nothing about wheelchairs. They mention disability or injury. There are differrent kinds of physical situations where people need to take the elevator instead of stairs, when possible.
As for American boomer, Civil libertarian and Smacky: ride the elevator to your little heart’s content. The less exercise you get, the less healthy you will be and the more clogged those little arteries will get.
Yep, you are a myocardial infarction waiting to happen.
Going down??
August 22nd, 2006 at 2:12 pm
There is a reason America is one of the fattest countries, and this happens to be one of the many reasons. Take the goddamn stairs for once in your life. I know some people have medical reason and stuff like that, but if you have the ability to take the stairs, then do yourself and the rest of us a favor and take the stairs. I know I have to school in the morning in an office building and quite frankly, the elevators are slow and they stick open a lot. I don’t want to get to school late just because some lazy ass person doesn’t want to take the stairs to the first floor. I know a lot of you are going to say then get to school earlier, but soemtimes that isn’t possible, you should all know the concept of traffic, but anyway, just take the stairs every once in a while, maybe like once a month, God forbid you fall down and break a leg.
August 23rd, 2006 at 11:31 am
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at all of the rude people, but I am. It never ceases to amaze me how people can be so selfish and insist that they are the only ones who count. America used to be a country where courtesy reigned, and the crime rate was much lower. Is it any wonder that crime has gone up as people have let manners fall by the wayside? Yet these rude people will be the first and foremost when it comes to proclaiming their patriotism. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone, and I mean you, used some common courtesy? As for using the elevator versus the stairs, if the stairs are easily accessible and you have no physical impairment that would prevent you, then you should use the stairs. If someone does get on the elevator and only goes up or down one floor, then No One, should make any negative comment. You don’t know their circumstances, so you shouldn’t judge. There are many advantages to showing common courtesy, including the fact that your blood pressure will be lower and you might possibly live longer. If nothing else, by showing courtesy to others, you have contributed to making the world a better place. Shame on you who think you are the only one who matters and that your interests should come first. If you won’t do it for yourself, then think of how you would like a loved one to be treated and act accordingly. Remember the command by Christ to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
October 20th, 2006 at 7:37 am
Leave the people alone! I am personally not one to take the elevator, but still, isn’t there more things you can do instead of bludgeon people to take the stairs?
October 30th, 2006 at 5:08 pm
I think that the practice should be up one down two. I work in a building with 6 floors and limited elevators… there is always a que for the elevator. Here we practice the up 1 down 2 rule to keep them moving.
December 1st, 2006 at 4:42 am
I know some people have medical reason and stuff like that, but if you have the ability to take the stairs, then do yourself and the rest of us a favor and take the stairs. I know I have to school in the morning in an office building and quite frankly, the elevators are slow and they stick open a lot. I don’t want to get to school late just because some lazy ass person doesn’t want to take the stairs to the first floor.
December 4th, 2006 at 4:40 am
Is it any wonder that crime has gone up as people have let manners fall by the wayside? Yet these rude people will be the first and foremost when it comes to proclaiming their patriotism. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone, and I mean you, used some common courtesy? As for using the elevator versus the stairs, if the stairs are easily accessible and you have no physical impairment that would prevent you, then you should use the stairs.
December 7th, 2006 at 10:49 pm
I work in a tall office tower, even if we are going only 1 floor up or down, we have to use the elevators (I’d rather do the stairs, it would be faster). The stairs are designated as escape routes in case of evacuation, and can only be used as such. Opening the doors will set off alarms.
December 11th, 2006 at 8:33 am
I dont think that it would be a stretch to assume that most of the people who argue that taking the elevator one floor isnt a big deal because of the me factor are grotesquely overweight.
January 27th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Judah (response #41)Says:
January 29th, 2006 at 3:41 am
Quoting Kathy (response #5) “Has it occured to you that people have medical reasons for using elevators that are not always visible.”
I think I would have to say Yes, but we usually call them psychiatric reasons in such cases.
Judah, I hope to hell that nobody who is disabled ever has to rely on you for anything. I do quite sincerely pity your parents when they become old enough to be infirm. Or, I suppose, you are the sort who will just stick them in the cheapest, most inhumane nursing home you can find and then never see them again? You try going through life with FOUR slipped discs, which are not visible, but which make walking up even one step so painful and damaging that it can lead to complete paralysis for a week or more. I really pray that you experience seomthing like this, so you have a chance to learn some compassion…and some humility.
April 4th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Personally, I would like to get out of an elevator as fast as possible. I am clausterphobic, and am always thinking that the cart is going to come crashing down. I must ride up 36 floors each morning. I must be at work at least 10 minutes prior just because of the ride up. The doors of the elevator seem to take forever to close, so that one person who got on at the 2nd floor only to get off at the third has just delayed my ride up even longer. Unless you are disabled or carrying a large package, take the stairs if you’re only going up 1 or 2 floors. Have respect for the others who are needing to be somewhere. In response to #4 post, that is the most selfish thing I have heard. Who made you Queen? You’re not the only one on the planet. If the world were filled with only people like yourself, no one would do anything for anyone. Your parents obviously didn’t teach you respect & kindness.
April 15th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
What really irritates me are the “door bangers.” The elevator door is closing and someone in this desparate need to enter the elevator sticks his hand in the door and opens it. Worse yet, 2-3 do it and we never get anywhere…. If the door is closing…. get a clue and wait for the next elevator…
April 15th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
To Judah (#41) about ‘invisible disabilities’. You’re an idiot!!
April 15th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
It’s plain to see that everyone wants to be right. So here’s the deal: Take the elevator if you want, or take the stairs — whatever is right for you. This is one of those areas where there is no right or wrong, and it certainly shouldn’t cause such stress. I’m just amazed that nobody got the escalator joke … good one! Happy riding or walking to everyone!
April 15th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
I love the person who says to the packed elevator “is there room for one more?” and in she/he squeezes. This person is usually at least 400lbs and I’m in the back pressed against the wall…ugg
April 15th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
Wow…if you want to use the elevator you should use it. On the other hand being courteous of others doesn’t hurt either. If I chose to ride an elevator up or down one floor I will and if there is someone that needs it more than me I will let them on first and wait for the next one if I have to. THere are health problems that are not outright obvious that causes someone to have to use the elevator and it shouldn’t have to be explained. People forget what common courtesy is. Shame on us for that. And #4 americanboomer…you are an idiot and self-centered jerk along with a lot of you on here. Thank G’d you are not the majority in this world.
April 15th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
What the hell is #25 talking about? And I’m tired of seeing so many cripled parking spaces. They have corvettes and stuff in there. If you can contort yourself into a miata, i think you are able bodied enough to walk like the rest of us. Everyone wants equal rights, until it comes time to get the good parking places, or ride the bus free, or not wait in line, then all of a sudden they are special.
April 15th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Our building only had 2 floors and a elevator. I was so scared I was gonna fall down the stare case that was in a glass bubble for everyone to see.. I took the damm elevator.. forget it.. I was not going down as the “woman who fell down the stairs and went right through the glass window and decapitated herself”.. It was safter to be called the lazy woman that took the elevator.
April 15th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
This rule is no longer applicable in newly constructed mid- to high-rise buildings as the building codes now indicate that stairwells are an area of refuge and egress only - meaning if you get into the stairwell you can only go the bottom floor to get out - you cannot exit onto another floor.
April 15th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
I live in Brazil where elevators are few and far between. Polio and leprosy are still common in Brazil; as is a limping gait. If these people can take the stairs up five flights, I am sure most of you can mangage. As for the people who have to stop to rest half way up, you should see a doctor: that amount of shortness of breath or leg pain may be a sign of a serious health issue.
April 15th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
To the people who are dissing the disabled. You ought to be ashamed. You can’t always tell from seeing a person in the 10 seconds of walking to the elevator whether or not they have medical problems. I personally have 5 medical problems with my hips, knees and feet. I only have a slight limp that’s not really obvious. I take the elevator 1 floor all the time and get dirty looks all the time too. Sorry people, but I’m not going to take the stairs just to make your life “easier”, especially when stairs are very painful for me. So to all you who complain about people going 1 floor….too bad, deal with it!
April 15th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
I am paralyzed and am forced to take the elevator at school to get to classrooms. Everytime it comes down and opens, all I see are fatass people who are out of breath. How can you be out of breath if you just took the elevator? Ah, because your lard-ass ran like carl owens to get on the elevator to go down one story. Take the stairs, or just have your stroke already.
April 15th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
i can’t believe the posts i am seeing on this site: #4 americanboomer, you are the most self-centered person i have ever had the misfortune to hear from. and the law of the jungle post is just ridiculous: when you see all those fatties taking the elevator how did it occur to you that those are the “strong” and the well-minded people taking the stairs are the “weak”? I am disgusted by the people I am seeing on this site but #83 i can’t believe what i’m reading I wholeheartedly agree with you.
April 15th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
Building engineer for 35 years. Most people have enough common sense when it comes to elevators but some are just rude but these people are rude and unreasonable about everything. Attitude people. I use to screw with them with the elevator in independent service. LOL
April 15th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Noah is right about the locked doors in the stairwells. It is done that way so people can escape fire but thiefs can’t prowl floors.
April 15th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
why is there a website for this?
April 15th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
well well well don’t we have some winy fellows here today!!…
April 15th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
This is too funny! Who gives a hoot? I work on the 22nd floor of a 50 story building in downtown Chicago. Only those employees that think their bodies are buff use those freaking stairs. I on the other hand will not use the stairs unless it’s due to a fire drill. Freak those one ride up or down. I’ll hop on the elevator anytime I feel like it!!
April 15th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
the truth is everyone should take stairs because we all could use exercise for a healthier lifestyles. With that said, no one has the right to tell anyone that they should take the stairs. If you want to take it, you take it to go one one flight, down one flight or up 20 or down 20. Doesn’t matter. No one should be elevator police!!! Now I do get a little agitated when someone gets on and only goes up one or down one, but it isn’t my place to say anything that that is wrong or right to do that.
April 15th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
To ANON, take the stairs take the elevator climb the wall like spider man, who cares but dont take the Lords name in vain. And for the rest of you whinny people, I am a very fit looking young man but have major heart problems so before being rude for someone riding the elevator that you think has no right, think again and mind your own business
April 15th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Personally I couldn’t give a hoot if the lazy amongst us can’t be bothered to walk up one flight of stairs, but what does irritate the hell out of me is when I have to wait ten or fifteen minutes for the FREIGHT elevators at work because some fata$$ can’t be bothered to hike their butt to the passenger elevator, then they leave the door open on another floor so I have to climb up (heavy freight doors don’t close automatically for safety reasons), close the doors then walk back down to the first floor to load my equipment. Even more annoying since my building only has three floors and all the employees are perfectly aware that they’re not supposed to use the freight elevators if they’re not moving gear around.
April 15th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Why is America FAT? Because of some of the s*** I have read on here. I never take the elevator in any building, I always walk up, even if it’s 75 floors. Actually, if it’s that high, I jog up taking 2 steps at a time. If I get to the floor and the door’s locked, there is always a call box there - come unlock the door, please, I have just walked 75 flights of stairs and don’t feel like looking for the next floor with an open door.
Why do we always look for the closest parking spot? I find the parking spot that is the furthest away and have no problem laughing at people who are fighting with one another over who is going to get into that space that is RIGHT THERE. Oh boy, isn’t that grand?
Everything is based around convenience. Elevators have their uses, why does most of Americans think that that also includes THEM? Are you 30 plus pounds overweight? Perhaps that daily trek up the stairs will help you LOSE some of that piggish fat that makes you look like and elephant!
bb
April 15th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
All that I have read here are not elevator rules. They are simply common courtesy. No one has the right to tell someone else what they should or should not do. I have never seen a set of rules for elevators. I am in a wheelchair myself and I also have psych problems. I tell no one if they should take the stairs, that’s not my decision to make. I also make no comment about other people who enter or leave the elevator. One time I was shopping and I ran into a large group of people just talking. There was no way to get around them, so I politely excused myself and eventually got thru the crowd. Just as I left the crowd, I heard one women say “people in wheelchairs shouldn’t be out”. In otherwords people in wheelchairs should stay home. Needless to say I spent the rest of my shopping experience in tears. There is only one real elevator rule. DON’T FART!! Because you’re up there and I am down here:)
April 15th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
I like stairs. All you gotta do is hold onto the railing and climb.
April 16th, 2007 at 7:37 am
I’d love to take the stairs but our stairways are locked & us ‘walkers’ are forced to ride the elevator up one, down two
June 29th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
I understand the frustration of people who see a seemingly fit person ride the elevator up one flight of stairs, but it is not always as it seems.
I have a type of cerebral palsy with makes me very weak and prone to injury, as well as adversely affecting my balance. Because of this I have been advised to avoid stairs whenever possible.
I have received many dirty looks (often in medical buildings) from people who think I’m lazy.
I know that I look very able-bodied and healthy but this is not the case. All I ask is for people to give others the benefit of the doubt.
On a related note, I taught english in South Korea for several months a few years ago. While there, I became extremely ill and was placed on 5 antibotics simultaneously. At the time I lived on the 2nd floor of an apartment building, unfortunately the elevator didn’t stop at the 2nd floor, only the 3rd and higher. I fainted partway up the stairs and nearly cracked my head open. I don’t know how long I would have been there if my roommate hadn’t found me.
October 5th, 2007 at 11:54 am
I cannot believe how many lame excuses have been posted here from overweight, lebertarian, disabled, etc.
Firstly, the “rules” are COURTESY guidelines, not strict rules that someone is trying to diminish or infringe on your rights.
Secondly, there is an exception for disabled/injured. So keep your “I have this problem” stories to yourselves or anyone else that may want to listen (likely very few).
Thirdly, if you are complaining about walking up a flight of stairs you are likely either a) disabled, b) overweight or c) lazy. If you are disabled, please see second point above. If you are overweight, perhaps you should put down that jelly donut you’re eating while reading this and think about exercising or controlling your caloric intake instead of wasting your time on an elevator site. If you are lazy, I do not sympathize with you. You may want to take an initiative in your life on something as small as walking a flight of stairs and perhaps it could be the beginning of a new start of something good to come in your life.
As for me, I used to exercise by walking up 75 flights of stairs 3 times a week, and I never found one bad thing about doing it.
October 6th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
This rule bugs me the most. Why do people not take the stairs if they are walking up one floor. I am in a 3 story building and there is someone who takes the elevator to floor two EVERY morning. Its so RUDE!
October 13th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
I work in a building that is occupied by multiple tenants. Each floor is secured and accessed by badges. The stairwell entrances are not “badge accessible” (presumably to save costs) and are locked by a solenoid that is tied-in with the fire alarm system which will release the locks in an emergency.
Bottom line - stairs are not an option for short floor hops. The elevators are always used.
November 10th, 2007 at 7:50 am
I used to run up to the 4th floor to work every morning until they decided to lock ever stairwell door…I ran all the way up one day and had to run all the way down to get on the elevator instead…
November 28th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
If people want to take the elevator up one flight it’s their business, just so they do not go all the way to the back and make everybody move out of their way at the next stop.
January 9th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Isn’t it better to burn some calories by taking the stairs to the first floor?