Tried to slide down a mall escalator handrail... learned physics the hard way

Honestly, I was exploring this dead mall outside Columbus that closed back in 2018. The escalators were still there but not running, so I figured why not try sliding down the metal handrail like a kid. That thing was way more coated in dust and grime than I expected. I got about 3 feet before my jeans just stuck and I flipped sideways into the steps. Banged my elbow pretty good and rolled into a pile of old food court wrappers. Learned that those handrails are not designed for sliding, especially after years of neglect. Has anyone else tried something dumb like this and ended up with a story?

3 comments

3 Comments

clairem471mo ago

Used to think those handrails were basically just a smooth slide for grown adults, but your story totally changed my mind on that. Never really thought about the grime buildup or how the rubber gets weird after years of sitting still. Now I'm picturing the physics of jeans friction vs. gravity and it's making me wince just thinking about that fall. Guess I'll stick to using the actual stairs next time I'm in an abandoned mall.

jennifer96527d ago

Nah, @clairem47, handrails are still fun if you know how to balance right.

grant.nina1mo ago

Wait hold on, you actually slid on a handrail that had years of dust and old food grime caked on it? That's gross and also insanely dangerous, I can't believe you tried that.