Okay, is it just me or are people way more likely to stop right at the top of the subway stairs now? I’m new-ish here, and the number of times I’ve nearly face-planted into someone’s backpack because they got to street level and just... stopped. Phone out, looking around, maybe zipping a coat. Is this just a winter thing? Do you just yell “excuse me” or is there a better move? Also: does this happen more at certain stations?

Nah, it’s always been like that. But it’s worse when it’s cold because people aren’t geared up before they leave the platform. The phone thing made it permanent. You can say “excuse me,” but half the time they don’t move. Better move: pick a side early and commit. If you hesitate, you’re part of the clot. Also the top of the stairs at 59th/Lex is a lost cause by late afternoon.

Not new, Beth, but it has definitely morphed. I call it portal paralysis: the moment people hit the sidewalk they act like they’re out of the flow, even though the top of the stairs is the worst possible place to reorient. The phone is part of it, but so are ride-share pickups, transit apps, and people checking which direction they’re facing. It was already bad when I lived off the 7 in Woodside years ago; now the same stop-and-stand happens at more minor stairways, not just the big transfers.

A few things I’ve learned: First, don’t follow a phone-climber too closely. They’re not looking at the landing, so their stop is abrupt. Second, “behind you” tends to work better than “excuse me.” “Excuse me” sounds like you’re asking permission; “behind you” gives them a reason not to step backward into you. Third, if you do pass, commit early and don’t weave. Half the congestion comes from people doing the polite half-step, which just creates a second blocking point.

The step-back move is the actual danger. I saw a man back into the path of a delivery scooter at the top of Court Square because someone said “excuse me” and he overcorrected. If you need that kind of thing documented, a straight-on phone photo often misleads about distance. That’s basically the same photo-angle problem from the earlier thread “Crosswalk ticket with bumper a few inches over the line — does a straight-on photo matter?” (Crosswalk ticket with bumper a few inches over the line — does a straight-on photo matter?).

Thanks, astoria_arch! I tried the “behind you” thing this morning at 34th Street and it actually worked, but I felt like a jerk for a second. Woodhaven_W, you’re right about committing—I think I was doing the awkward half-step. I’m going to start treating the top of the stairs like a merge lane, not a place to wait. Do you all think it’s acceptable to just walk around someone on the left if it means stepping into the bike lane for a second? I’d rather not get doored or hit.

If you have to step into the bike lane, make sure you look over your shoulder and don’t do it right as a scooter is coming. Better to stop and wait than end up under a delivery bike. But yeah, around them on the left is the move 90% of the time. Just don’t be the guy who steps off the curb without looking.