[gregsq]

Keeping to the right is a deferral that visitors to the UK can find confusing on occassion. Visitors can find it odd that while keeping to the left on roadways, the right is used when on foot and in need of order of movement. On tube escalators for example, where allowing overtaking on the left is giving the right of way. The deferrers right is against the wall. Thus we play to their strengths, and contain ours as a courtesy.

[zhte415]

Surely standing on the right is to facilitate the right hand holding the hand grip, which corresponds to the article's suggestion that keeping to the left facilitates the right hand (to draw a sword/mount a horse).

[gregsq]

Well maybe but we always favour the right. It isn't really our right hand we are favouring but the others to our lefts right. In that lies the deferral. Standing still on the right provides a courtesy to the freedom of right handedness to the left. Those of age carrying heavy shopping can stall the left side but have use of their stronger side to manage. Those with heavy luggage can lift with the right while steadying themselves with the left railing. Those who are quick don't need either side except for balance and the left side is good enough for that. It seems like the most sensible thing to do. On the one hand the weakest have the benefit on the right, and on the other the strongest or in need of it have the left.