Once a staple of American travel culture, hitchhiking was a popular way for people to get from point A to point B with little more than an outstretched thumb and a bit of faith in humanity. But over the years, hitchhiking has largely faded away in the United States, replaced by modern transportation methods and a shift in social attitudes. So, what exactly caused this decline? And is hitchhiking still alive anywhere in the world? Let’s explore the surprising history, decline, and lingering presence of this once-common form of travel.
1. The Early Days: Hitchhiking as Patriotism
Believe it or not, hitchhiking first became popular during World War I. With soldiers needing to travel across the country, patriotic Americans felt a duty to lend a hand by giving them a lift. By World War II, this sentiment intensified as the government encouraged ridesharing to save on fuel—so much so that slogans like, “If you’re riding alone, you’re riding with Hitler!” were used to promote it .
The Great Depression also saw a rise in hitchhiking as many Americans couldn’t afford cars but still needed to find work. Hitching a ride was both a means of survival and a symbol of solidarity during tough economic times.
2. The Golden Era: Hitchhiking in the ‘60s and ‘70s
The 1960s and ‘70s were the peak years for hitchhiking in America. It was more than just a form of travel; it was a countercultural movement. For many, hitchhiking symbolized freedom, anti-consumerism, and trust in the kindness of strangers. Young people embraced it as a low-cost, environmentally friendly way to travel and connect with others. During this era, it wasn’t uncommon to see hitchhikers at the side of the road with a peace sign or a cardboard sign listing their destination .
For many, the idea of hitchhiking was adventurous. It offered the promise of meeting new people, hearing new stories, and traveling cheaply. Some even saw it as a rite of passage, a way to experience life from the perspective of the road.
3. The Media’s Role: The Beginning of the End
But as the ‘70s wore on, hitchhiking’s free-spirited reputation took a hit. Horror stories began to circulate, sensationalized by the media and movies, casting a shadow over the practice. The idea of hitchhiking as dangerous took root in the public consciousness, with the rise of news coverage portraying hitchhikers as criminals or hitchhiking as a risk that no sane person should take. This led to fear and caution among both potential hitchhikers and drivers .
To further drive home the risks, the FBI even created posters and campaigns highlighting the dangers of picking up strangers or hitchhiking, citing rare but shocking cases of violence involving hitchhikers. Although studies showed these incidents were not as common as people feared—with one study suggesting only about 0.63% of violent crimes involved hitchhikers—public perception had already shifted .
4. The Practical Reason: More Cars, Less Need
As time passed, one factor became undeniable: more people owned cars. In the 1950s, only about half of U.S. households had a vehicle, but by the 1970s, nearly 80% did, and that number has only continued to climb. With cars becoming more affordable and durable, there simply wasn’t as much need to rely on strangers for a ride. The 1956 Federal Highway Act, which created interstate highways across the country, also made it more difficult (and often illegal) to safely pull over and pick up hitchhikers .
5. The Global Perspective: Hitchhiking Lives On
While hitchhiking is rare in the U.S. today, it’s still common in other parts of the world. In Cuba, for instance, hitchhiking is an essential part of daily life. In fact, the Cuban government mandates that government vehicles pick up hitchhikers if they have empty seats. In Israel and the Netherlands, there are designated spots for hitchhiking, and many countries in rural areas still see it as a viable mode of transportation .
In parts of Europe, there’s even a dedicated community of hitchhiking enthusiasts who share tips, routes, and experiences online. Hitchhiking remains a necessary—and sometimes preferred—option in less wealthy or rural regions around the world where car ownership is still not as common.
6. Hitchhiking in the Modern Day: Is it Making a Comeback?
With ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft, some aspects of hitchhiking have made a modern comeback—albeit in a more controlled, safer environment. While it’s not quite the same, the concept of sharing a ride with a stranger has resurfaced. Additionally, some hitchhiking enthusiasts use online communities to organize “safe” hitchhiking routes and share tips on how to hitchhike responsibly in the 21st century .
In an era where the environmental impact of individual car ownership is under scrutiny, some have even suggested that hitchhiking could become popular again as a sustainable alternative. While hitchhiking may never return to its golden age, its spirit of adventure, trust, and simplicity lives on in new forms.
A Lost Art or Just on Pause?
Hitchhiking may have lost its mainstream appeal in the U.S., but it’s far from extinct. Across the world, it’s still an accessible means of travel, and for those who remember the thrill of sticking out their thumb, the stories live on. Whether it’s a lost art or just a relic of a different time, hitchhiking serves as a reminder of a period when trust in strangers and the open road offered freedom, community, and a story for the road.
