Typically, I do not use moving walkways or escalators. Even though I’m carrying luggage, I’d rather walk; it’s good excercise. However, I recognize that for many people these moving sidewalks are useful.

However, as I was walking between terminals, I walked the entire distance of the moving walkways without anyone passing me. Yet, the moving walkways kept running. Even if these sidewalks are very energy efficient, I’m sure they burn unnecessary energy each day.

What if Sky Harbor installed motion sensors at the approach and exit to these moving sidewalks. That way, the sidewalks would only run when people were present–saving a whole lot of energy. Over a year, the energy savings could be significant.