Tacet

So was it the trip or the hazard that was theoretical in your earlier post? 😉

The first step following the straightening the knees to crack the gates can have you forced back, particularly on single top gate locks where the arc of the masonry does not allow much water through. Like most others, I mostly push with legs. An exception can be closing bottom gates on single locks. As you have to start with a pull anyway it is not always worth moving to the other side of the beam. But if the next stage in the process is to leap the gap to the far gate, you need to be on the push-to-close side anyway, so moving round the beam to push is a fair option.

The loops are definitely trip hazards - with the risk mitigated by the red paint. But there's lots of hazards in life - and the remaining risk of someone coming a cropper might be worth taking.

There should be some distinction between boats moored for lengthy periods and those tied up for a spot of lunch. Taking the eternal Golden Nook as an example of the former, there shouldn't be any real grumbles if boats pass through a bit above tickover. The moorers can tie-up better/well if they are bothered by a bit of movement.

The gates are always ready to push and, in fact, always ready to open should you push hard enough.