In the 1970s, hitchhiking was a common and adventurous way for people without cars or licenses to travel. It symbolized freedom, spontaneity, and a break from societal norms, allowing individuals to explore the open road and connect with strangers.
Trust among people was generally higher, and picking up hitchhikers was often seen as a generous and communal act. Many travelers, including students and young adventurers, relied on hitchhiking as an affordable and practical means of getting around. However, as reports of crime associated with hitchhiking began to surface, public perception shifted toward fear and caution. The expansion of highways, rising car ownership, and cheaper flights eventually made hitchhiking obsolete, ending its brief golden era.
h/t: vintag.es
