# Brits to the left?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-to-the-left/21152>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [June 1, 2000, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-to-the-left/21152 "2000-06-01T21:25:46Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Insecta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/3da27b/32.png) [@Insecta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Insecta)\
**Post date:** [June 18, 2002, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-to-the-left/21152/21 "2002-06-18T17:54:49Z")

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Do you think that it could have something to do with handedness? Ie, right handers try to pass on the right, and left handers on the left. I know it sounds odd, but when I come up to someone, I feel as if my right hand is ‘buzzing’ - telling me to go right. As there are more right handers, perhaps that has something to do with the apparent preference.

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**Author:** ![gazpacho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@gazpacho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gazpacho)\
**Post date:** [June 18, 2002, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-to-the-left/21152/22 "2002-06-18T18:40:10Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> However, what I was referring to were the long tunnels that connect transfer lines within stations; these tunnels are divided by free-standing handrails, and there are signs above the passage entryways that say “No Entry” on the right (thus encouraging walking on the left). During London rush hour, this funnelling of traffic is essential. Also, in many of the busier Underground stations, the entryways down into the stations themselves are also divided by a handrail with the same “No Entry” sign on the right (though I’ll admit these are more commonly ignored).

You know I was just in London last week. I notice the exact opposite. In tunnels with the dividing rails most every body walked on the right. I commented to my wife that it seemed odd given that the people drive on the left.

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**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\
**Post date:** [June 18, 2002, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-to-the-left/21152/23 "2002-06-18T21:28:57Z")

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I think the keep right thing on staircases/escalators is because people tend to use their right hand to pull/hold themselves up (as I think somebody else already already mentioned).

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