Yes it can be done and it's not that hard, although it does make my heart race a litte each time I do it, simply because those damn things seem to move so much faster when you've got something in tow.
Basically, the tube guys will tell you to go on first and stand in front of the pram, buggy, stroller, push chair, but in my opinion that is bollocks - much easier if it goes on first.
However, this does mean that your precious bundle has the potential to be a flyaway speeding escalator bullet if you somehow lose your grip on the stroller when you're heading up or down. I'm lucky because my stroller has a jogging safety chord, kind of like a snowboard/surf board leash. However, you could also achieve the same effect by wrapping the change bag strap around your wrist if it's attached to the stroller effectively.
So, technique:
To go down: approach the right hand side of escalator with stroller ahead of you and strap wrapped around wrist. As the escalator starts to descend, tip the stroller back and wedge it into the step behind the wheel, tilting it the whole time. As you near the bottom, start to lower the front wheels in preparation for pushing off.
To go up: approach the right hand side of the escalator and as you do this swing the stroller around so that it is being pulled in backwards behind you. Again, make sure your safety attachment is wrapped around wrist. Wedge the wheels into the step directly below you and keep the stroller level. You will have to bend backwards to do this. If you are travelling with another person, it is better if they go on behind you. As you approach the top you can simply pull the stroller off as you walk off.
Nervous making the first few times, but not so bad after that...
Friday 3 February 2012
Wanstead to Holborn. Grade = medium
Do not attempt this on your own.
My partner and I decided to brave the Friday afternoon tube traffic and head into Holborn to go to Covent Garden. Access via Wanstead or South Woodford is fairly simple, and it's good to practice your escalator skills at Wanstead.
Holborn, however is a busy station and the immediate access from the West bound Central Line platform is by stairs only, too many to go up backwards with the stroller on your own - you would need someone to help you lift up here. Also, be aware that this area is always really busy and congested, often it is better to wait until the crowds have passed before attempting the stairs. Note: particularly if your stroller is a bike trailer like my Chariot and takes up a LOT of space.
As with the other access, the entry onto the escalator is extremely busy and quite fast paced, so you have to be confident going on. See my post for escalator tips.
Once on the escalator things are easy and ironically there is a disabled gate, even though obviously, there are no lifts at Holborn and therefore not suitable for wheelchair users. Shame on you TFL.
My partner and I decided to brave the Friday afternoon tube traffic and head into Holborn to go to Covent Garden. Access via Wanstead or South Woodford is fairly simple, and it's good to practice your escalator skills at Wanstead.
Holborn, however is a busy station and the immediate access from the West bound Central Line platform is by stairs only, too many to go up backwards with the stroller on your own - you would need someone to help you lift up here. Also, be aware that this area is always really busy and congested, often it is better to wait until the crowds have passed before attempting the stairs. Note: particularly if your stroller is a bike trailer like my Chariot and takes up a LOT of space.
As with the other access, the entry onto the escalator is extremely busy and quite fast paced, so you have to be confident going on. See my post for escalator tips.
Once on the escalator things are easy and ironically there is a disabled gate, even though obviously, there are no lifts at Holborn and therefore not suitable for wheelchair users. Shame on you TFL.
Wanstead to Greenwich. Grade = easy
A cold but clear day made the trip to Greenwich worthwhile.
Travelling with two strollers we departed from South Woodford (5 steps to West bound platform) but could have gone from Wanstead if baby hadn't done a huge poo making me late to meet my friend, hence the Sth Woodford departure.
West bound Central Line to Stratford, with transfer to the DLR (at the top end of the platform) with an annoying 5/6 steps up to the fast track entrance to the DLR - easy enough to do pulling the stroller up backwards.
Stratford to Canary Wharf and then a simple cross across the platform for a DLR to Lewisham. The DLR is very stroller friendly. Arrival at Greenwich was swift and then an easy lift ride at Cutty Sark to street level - simple.
Stroll around the park and a nice burger (with a huge, fat homemade patty) at the Greenwich Union on Royal Hill. The staff were friendly and completely fine about the two babies in tow, unlike the Richard the First who allow "18+ only luv". Thanks mate, it's not like we were planning on bringing toddlers in...
Anyway, another good thing to note about Greenwich is the lovely hot chocolate at the Maritime Museum (free entry) cafe, which also has high chairs and great baby changing facilities - my advice, unless you want your baby to look like it's about to shite itself, don't use the dyson airblade when the baby is in the room.
Travelling with two strollers we departed from South Woodford (5 steps to West bound platform) but could have gone from Wanstead if baby hadn't done a huge poo making me late to meet my friend, hence the Sth Woodford departure.
West bound Central Line to Stratford, with transfer to the DLR (at the top end of the platform) with an annoying 5/6 steps up to the fast track entrance to the DLR - easy enough to do pulling the stroller up backwards.
Stratford to Canary Wharf and then a simple cross across the platform for a DLR to Lewisham. The DLR is very stroller friendly. Arrival at Greenwich was swift and then an easy lift ride at Cutty Sark to street level - simple.
Stroll around the park and a nice burger (with a huge, fat homemade patty) at the Greenwich Union on Royal Hill. The staff were friendly and completely fine about the two babies in tow, unlike the Richard the First who allow "18+ only luv". Thanks mate, it's not like we were planning on bringing toddlers in...
Anyway, another good thing to note about Greenwich is the lovely hot chocolate at the Maritime Museum (free entry) cafe, which also has high chairs and great baby changing facilities - my advice, unless you want your baby to look like it's about to shite itself, don't use the dyson airblade when the baby is in the room.
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