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As far as home designs go, stairs are ones that you want to get right. Any flaw in the execution could lead to an embarrassing trip or, even worse, a serious fall.

We are so used to walking up and down stairways all day every day, that we don't even think to look if everything is in order. These truly horrific stair designs, collected in a list by Bored Panda, are on another level. Poorly planned, dangerous, and maybe even deadly, after seeing them, you might want to look twice before you take your next step!

Seriously, how these design fails even came to live? Scroll down to check out the very worst staircases you'll ever see, and take care out there!

#1

Not A Good Carpet Choice For Stairs If You Ask Me

Not A Good Carpet Choice For Stairs If You Ask Me

scienceyeaux Report

Are you ready for some scintillating stair facts? Of course you are! With thanks to StepJockey, here are a few things about home improvement that you might not have known.

  • Stair climbing is officially classed as a ‘vigorous exercise’ and burns more calories per minute than jogging
  • Stair climbing requires 8-9 times more energy expenditure than sitting and burns about 7 times more calories than taking a lift
  • You burn about 0.17 calories for every step you climb, so you burn roughly a calorie and a half for every 10 upward steps
  • You also burn calories going down. Every stair descended burns about 0.05 calories, so you burn 1 calorie for every 20 steps down
#2

I've Seen Some Crappy Stairs, But This One Takes The Cake

I've Seen Some Crappy Stairs, But This One Takes The Cake

TeeMestoil Report

#3

When You Let Satan Choose The Carpet

When You Let Satan Choose The Carpet

ThatJustWontWork Report

  • For buildings with five floors or less, it’s nearly always quicker to take the stairs. Studies show office workers save up to 15 minutes a day by taking the stairs.
  • As well as guarding against heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some cancers, stair climbing releases endorphins that produce feelings of wellbeing.
  • Just 7 minutes stair climbing a day has been estimated to more than half the risk of a heart attack over 10 years.
  • Stair climbing cuts carbon emissions. By ditching the lift in a typical office you will save between 0.3 and 0.6 Kg of Co2 a day.
  • Professional skiers often climb stairs to keep competition-fit. Many models do the same to keep their legs toned for the catwalk.
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#4

Camouflage 101

Camouflage 101

shortround10 Report

#5

Built The Staircase Exactly As Designed, Boss

Built The Staircase Exactly As Designed, Boss

MenacingBanjo Report

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Arno Nüüm
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The most amazing thing is that they really went through with it all the way. You would think that at some point during the construction they would have been like "oh, this isn't gonna work", but no, they built the entire thing.

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  • Climbing stairs is a classic ‘short burst’ exercise and ideal for the time-poor. The biggest variable in stair climbing is your weight. The heavier you are, the more calories you burn.
  • Other variables affecting calorie burn while stair climbing include the angle of the stairs, your sex, climbing speed, age and general fitness.
  • You burn more calories climbing stairs in high heels.
  • It’s a myth that climbing stairs two at a time burns more calories. More energy is expended over time by taking things slowly.
  • The greatest height reached climbing stairs in 12 hours was 33,000 feet by Chris Solarz of Philadelphia, USA. Solarz climbed 58,080 stairs.
  • The 19th century is regarded by many as the golden era of stair construction. In the 20th century architects gave prominence to lifts.
#6

Stairs That Lead To Nowhere

Stairs That Lead To Nowhere

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#7

Stairs Of Death

Stairs Of Death

palegreycells Report

  • Now, with the emergence of ‘active design’, architects are once again making stairs more prominent.
  • Many scientific studies show that simple stair prompts significantly increase stair usage. One trick is simply to point-out ‘hidden’ stairs
  • The longest stairway listed by the Guiness Book of Records is the service stairway for the Niesenbahn funicular railway near Spiez, Switzerland. It has 11,674 steps and a round trip would burn over 3,000 calories.
  • Going down stairs burns fewer calories but works and tones different muscles and joints. It’s also good for balance and coordination.
  • The Roman architect Vitruvius established the first guidelines for the stair in the first century B.C, suggesting a 37 degree pitch. Most stairs are not dramatically different today.
  • So what are you waiting for? Forget the lift, take a few deep breaths and get climbing!

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#9

In Case Of Fire Use Stairs, They Said. Do Not Use Elevators, They Said

In Case Of Fire Use Stairs, They Said. Do Not Use Elevators, They Said

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nanashi
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm reminded of the story about a certain serial killer who designed a house with dead ends to kill his guests and sell them as cadaver, and I think this might be one of the feature of that house.

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#11

You Don't Have To Be Drunk To Fall Down These Stairs

You Don't Have To Be Drunk To Fall Down These Stairs

Elmaaro Report

#13

These Aren’t Stairs. They Are Decorative Waterfalls. My Friend Walked Into Them And Slipped, I Laughed My Ass Off

These Aren’t Stairs. They Are Decorative Waterfalls. My Friend Walked Into Them And Slipped, I Laughed My Ass Off

Johantm Report

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Kaisu
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shouldn't there be some kind of warning sign or railing to keep people from making that mistake?

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#14

This Flight Of Stairs Outside A Door Is Death Waiting To Happen

This Flight Of Stairs Outside A Door Is Death Waiting To Happen

Vjaa Report

#15

My God

My God

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elise breedveld
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

omg....this reminds me of old houses here in the Netherlands..in the old parts of a town not so far away from where I live. I had to walk down the stairs..well..it was very hard. The steps were too thin xD

Doc Thissen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The worst past is the fact that two of the steps have been replaced.

Ed Souza
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice design overall... just a flaw, one must wear full body armour in order to climb it.

Iggy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty sure going upstairs is not supposed to require crampons and a grappling hook.

porcupine
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look where they’ve tried to repair the steps that fell off! My god, how did this ever pass inspection?!

Pamela Scott
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can tell there have already been accidents bad enough to brake the concrete off the ends of some of the steps.

Just saying
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Got one of those really cheap aluminum ladders from Wal-Mart. Threw some cement on it. This happened. Score!!

Dani
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For a second I wasn't even sure what I was looking at... like this has to be an above shot of a giant concrete Toblerone and some cleaning supplies, right? Right?

A Jones
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

oh noooo, I saw stairs like these in my surreal nightmares!

PandaLover
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These look like the stairs Smeagol made Frodo and Sam climb to get to Shelob's cave

Amber Turk
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The epic fail here is so stupendous, I can't even EVEN anymore.

Brittany Forrester
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you just turn and climb down like you would a ladder. def looks like it's in poor country.

Liz Sahlin Johansson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well at least it do have a gate grid even though it is open when the pic was taken. Perhaps the photographer opened it just to take the pic!

FatBaby
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are stairs just like that at my local dentist office.

UndyingBisexual
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can see myself being the one idiot that tries to climb it for fun though

Kikka io
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

but is it a painting or a photograph? because if it's a photo I want to know what when I have the stairs in the closet, pull out those.

Joyce Laundrie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't believe these were designed by a grown up. A five year old would do better.

Brenda Pereira
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

definitely needs a handrail. You would not need a stairmaster, tho.

c Fuller
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's up with the pool crammed behind the staircase? No one noticed the pool?

Bettye McKee
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do not try this at home. In fact, do not try this without a safety harness.

comboplush
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Best disadvantages of both worlds! But at least there are some celebratory baloons to morally support you on your ascend.

Jaans
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Last min ideas: "oe lets put stairs in, anywhere I don't care!"

Mya Lugar
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of the stairs to River Street in Savannah, Ga. (X steep, and scary.

Markus Holstein
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Somewhat reminds me of the Stair of Cirith Ungol from the LOTR movies

Mary Rose Kent
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dragon’s teeth masquerading as stairs—if you actually make it to the top, you’re eaten.

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#16

For When You Want A Near Death Experience Every Time You Use The Stairs

For When You Want A Near Death Experience Every Time You Use The Stairs

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Whawhawhatsis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's with stairs with no railing? Who thinks that's safe for a healthy adult, let alone a child or an older person whose balance isn't quite as good any more (i.e. me)?

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#17

If You Choose To Go On The Left, On The Ramp, Because You Have A Bike Or Stroller, Then You Will Encounter A Step Later. But If You Choose Stairs Then You Will Encounter A Ramp After The Stairs

If You Choose To Go On The Left, On The Ramp, Because You Have A Bike Or Stroller, Then You Will Encounter A Step Later. But If You Choose Stairs Then You Will Encounter A Ramp After The Stairs

Writerro Report

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#19

How To Break Your Bones

How To Break Your Bones

Cyreniac Report

#20

Man This Hill Is Just Too Steep. Hold On A Sec While I Take The Stairs

Man This Hill Is Just Too Steep. Hold On A Sec While I Take The Stairs

Man-Sand Report

#22

These Stairs

These Stairs

salamanca2792 Report

#25

These Stairs

These Stairs

mariii95 Report

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#26

These Stairs In A College I Visited Had People Confused...

These Stairs In A College I Visited Had People Confused...

N0t-a-Weeab00 Report

#27

These Stairs In My Sisters House Are A Joy To Use

These Stairs In My Sisters House Are A Joy To Use

SlumberingParrot Report

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A B C
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Psh, the price the carpenter offers for these stairs is too damn high. Susan, hold my beer, I'ma gonna build'em maself.

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#28

Someone Directed Us To These Stairs When We Were Lost

Someone Directed Us To These Stairs When We Were Lost

Magic_Dolo Report

#29

These Stairs In A Residence Hall When I Was In College. Always Creeped Me Out

These Stairs In A Residence Hall When I Was In College. Always Creeped Me Out

rileyjw90 Report

#30

These Stairs Are 1ft/30cm High

These Stairs Are 1ft/30cm High

paulcbel Report

#31

The One Stair Slightly Shifted To The Side

The One Stair Slightly Shifted To The Side

True_Duke_Of_Spook Report

#32

The Stairs To Nowhere

The Stairs To Nowhere

mmjj2007 Report

#33

You Win This Time, Stairs...

You Win This Time, Stairs...

PoorFitPoncho Report

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Kathy Baylis
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good place to hide your valuables. Though you’ll need to figure out a secret entrance; from the other side of the cabinet, or a way to move that stair. Just spitballing ideas here....

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#35

Terrible Floor To See The Depth Of The Stairs

Terrible Floor To See The Depth Of The Stairs

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#38

Carpeted Stairs To Shower

Carpeted Stairs To Shower

jLynx Report

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Kathy Baylis
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Constant dampness. Mold. Mildew. Gross. Plus, no room for a bath mat, because there’s only about 3 inches of space to step out onto.

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#39

Nearly Died Carrying A Box Down These Basement Stairs

Nearly Died Carrying A Box Down These Basement Stairs

BlackJPI Report

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Mary Rose Kent
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I lived in a place that had similar stairs. Amazingly enough, your legs/feet do eventually pick up the rhythm and oddities of the stairs.

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#40

Stairs Leading To Nowhere At My School

Stairs Leading To Nowhere At My School

dogbreathTK Report

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#42

These Stairs Made To Trip You

These Stairs Made To Trip You

act4793 Report

#43

These Stairs With No Access To Retrieve Items That Fall Through

These Stairs With No Access To Retrieve Items That Fall Through

paulbrec Report

#44

Even The Stairs At Ubsoft Have Glitches In Them

Even The Stairs At Ubsoft Have Glitches In Them

TKMachine Report

#45

These Beautiful Stairs

These Beautiful Stairs

ThePoeticElixir Report

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Martti Laurson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They do not lead you to weight room, they lead you to emergency room when you run fast enough.

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#46

New Cinema In My City Has The Stairs In The Exact Middle Of The Screen, Forcing Everyone To Sit To The Side

New Cinema In My City Has The Stairs In The Exact Middle Of The Screen, Forcing Everyone To Sit To The Side

hitmarker Report

#47

You Have To Take The Stairs To Use This Elevator

You Have To Take The Stairs To Use This Elevator

dom_bul Report

#48

"Extra Storage" Stairs Are A Tripping Hazard Deathtrap

"Extra Storage" Stairs Are A Tripping Hazard Deathtrap

mistermajik2000 Report

#49

Random Stairs!

Random Stairs!

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#51

Legit Saw A Kid Walk Up The Stairs And Stared At The Gate

Legit Saw A Kid Walk Up The Stairs And Stared At The Gate

mediocre_m8 Report

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Yenis Sanchez
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a life lesson for kids. Take the easy way up and you'll end up behind bars lol

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#54

The Stairs To Nowhere, At Michigan Technological University, An Engineering College

The Stairs To Nowhere, At Michigan Technological University, An Engineering College

ic3clip Report

#55

Escalators + Stairs. Bruh

Escalators + Stairs. Bruh

millennial_engineer Report

#56

What A Perfect Spot To Build Some Stairs....

What A Perfect Spot To Build Some Stairs....

Albotterin Report

#57

Time To Take The Elevator... Oh, I Might Take The Stairs.

Time To Take The Elevator... Oh, I Might Take The Stairs.

alekhh1 Report

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Kathy Baylis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope there’s another, working, accessible elevator somewhere. Just think of moving day.

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#58

These Extremely Disorienting Stairs At The Hotel We Stayed At Last Week

These Extremely Disorienting Stairs At The Hotel We Stayed At Last Week

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Kathy Baylis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Third time I’ve said it. Rubber strips at the end of each step. Why aren’t these places thinking of that after making such horrible design choices?

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#59

Excuse Me! Could You Tell Me Where I Might Find Apartment 9 And 3/4?

Excuse Me! Could You Tell Me Where I Might Find Apartment 9 And 3/4?

imgur.com Report

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Kathy Baylis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like a single family house cut up into apartments, and this guy lives on the ground floor by the Old stairs to the upper floor. Keeping the old stairs may not be great for apartments, but terrific when someone decides to reconvert it back to a single family home.

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#60

This Set Of Stairs At My Relative’s House. (I Almost Fell)

This Set Of Stairs At My Relative’s House. (I Almost Fell)

Light58 Report

#61

Outstanding Stairs.

Outstanding Stairs.

Master1718 Report

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Karin Gibson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They built the stairs and then they were told they needed a disabled entry so the added it over the stairs.

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#62

These Stairs At My School

These Stairs At My School

lixdy88 Report

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Shawn
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those are just old staircases. Look up the old pics if your school.

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#63

Stairs That Lead To The Corner Of The House

Stairs That Lead To The Corner Of The House

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A B C
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How else would you get into the cprner to clean the window?

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#64

Should We Make Stairs Or A Ramp? Yes.

Should We Make Stairs Or A Ramp? Yes.

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#65

Pointless Stairs Found At The National Children’s Hospital

Pointless Stairs Found At The National Children’s Hospital

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#66

I Walked Up These Stairs Without Really Thinking And Got So Confused

I Walked Up These Stairs Without Really Thinking And Got So Confused

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#67

The Stairs In My Parents House. You Get Used To Walking Down The Grippy Carpet Then The Last Three Steps Are Incredibly Slippy When Wearing Socks. Perfect For Killing Elderly Relatives

The Stairs In My Parents House. You Get Used To Walking Down The Grippy Carpet Then The Last Three Steps Are Incredibly Slippy When Wearing Socks. Perfect For Killing Elderly Relatives

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Heather Coburn
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Four steps, mate. It’s FOUR steps, not three...ya don’t have to be old to take a solid hit on some steps!

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#68

These Stairs Lead To Nowhere

These Stairs Lead To Nowhere

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Shawn
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's to the secret club.. err I mean yeah what's with those stairs leading nowhere..

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#69

These Stairs In The Toronto Airport

These Stairs In The Toronto Airport

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#70

The Stairs On This Bridge

The Stairs On This Bridge

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Marcellus the Third
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I suppose it's to make it easier for bikes, but to force them to dismount first?

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#73

Stairs To Nowhere

Stairs To Nowhere

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#74

These Stairs

These Stairs

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Kathy Baylis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Was the house converted to apartments, meaning they had to add a private entrance to the second floor? Over here the old back entrance to the house was?

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#75

Only The Left Side Opens Leaving The Right Side Of The Stairs Useless

Only The Left Side Opens Leaving The Right Side Of The Stairs Useless

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