Why Escalators Have Brushes Along the Sides
An escalator’s steps move past stationary panels called skirts. A narrow clearance has to remain between each step and the skirt so the moving parts do not rub against one another. But that gap can catch a shoe edge, loose clothing, or a small object—a dangerous pinch point.
The stiff brushes along the lower sides of the steps are skirt deflectors. Their bristles sweep lightly against the stationary panels, helping keep debris out of the clearance and discouraging shoes and other items from pressing into it. They also provide a tactile warning: if the bristles brush your shoe, you are standing too close to the side.
A Warning, Not a Barrier
The brushes are not strong enough to stop a foot from being trapped, and they do not make the gap safe to touch. Their purpose is to reduce risk and prompt riders to move their feet toward the middle of the step. That is why escalator safety instructions advise passengers to stand clear of the sides and keep shoelaces and loose items away.
So the next time a brush grazes your shoe, treat it as a reminder to shift inward—not as a device meant to clean your footwear.
