Back in the 1970s, hitchhiking was a common and often carefree way for people to travel, especially those without a car or too young to drive. It was a time when hitchhiking was a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the trust of strangers. It's important to acknowledge that hitchhiking also came with risks, but it was a practical and affordable way to travel, particularly for those of us who couldn't afford cars or public transportation. It was seen as a way to experience the "open road" and a chance to connect with new people.
Some individuals and groups, like those on the 'Hippie Trail', used hitchhiking as a primary method of travel due to its low cost. For those of yuou unfamiliar with the term, it meant pretty much any where you travelled if you were hitching and had long hair.
As time went on, concerns about safety and the lack of trust in strangers led to a decline in hitchhiking. Movies and real-life incidents, like the Texas Chain Saw Massacre and the kidnapping of Colleen Stan, heightened public fear of hitchhiking. Other factors, such as the increased availability and affordability of cars, lower air travel costs, and a more cautious society, also contributed to its decline.
In Roadside Americans, Jack Reid traces the rise and fall of hitchhiking, offering
vivid accounts of life on the road and how the act of soliciting rides from strangers,
and the attitude toward hitchhikers in American society, evolved over time in synch
with broader economic, political, and cultural shifts. In doing so, Reid offers insight
into significant changes in the United States amid the 'decline of liberalism'.
Up until about 2019, I would pick up hitchhikers on a regular basis. It was a great way to talk to people from a walk of life that I would never meet otherwise. One of the last ones that I picked up was a middle aged woman who wanted to be dropped off in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. Long story short, she was a registered sex offender. Hitchhiking dropped off like a rock after covid.
ReplyDeleteRI to San Clemente Ca. 1977, six weeks on the beach. 20 then, seems like two, lifetimes ago.
ReplyDelete70 to 75 probably hitched over 5000 miles all over New England. Only picked up by 2 weirdos. what would surprise many today were the percentage of women who would pick you up
ReplyDeleteHitch hiked back to school after Christmas, 1978. Started snowing, man picked me up in a pick up truck. He was going my direction (2 hours away). We stopped for coffee along the way, he paid, snowing all day. He drove me right up to the house I was renting... I would never try that today...
ReplyDeleteGB
Used to hitch from HS home. It helped to wear your letter jacket.
ReplyDeleteJpaul