69
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
no edit summary
With folding bikes coming to popularity particularly in more densely populated cities, more drivers are starting to recognize them. What this means is that while pedalling on the road to your destination, it is possible to get a ride by sticking your thumb out for *any car passing by. Some drivers will recognize that you are riding a fold-able bike but they may not understand what you are doing. Having a sign may be helpful depending on the traffic speed.
Regarding the particular brands and the specs, the important thing is to get something that thieves won't steal.
The more fancy you bike, the more likely it will get stolen.
So forget about the fancy all carbon fibre frame foldable bike.
The advantage of fixed gear bikes is it's lack of maintenance required. When you have a rear derailleur you may spend more time fixing you shifters and wires than actually hitchhiking.
[[File:Georgebike.jpg|300px|thumb|right|21-speed Pocket Sport]]Tiny folding bikes [http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/06/worlds_smallest.php like this one] make BikeHitching much easier. For longer trips, a real touring bike that folds up into a suitcase or a car trunk, like this 21-speed Pocket Sport from Bike Friday (picture). If you fold your bike, drivers won't even notice you have more than just big a backpack and then HitchBiking works just like normal hitchhiking.
If you have roller blades you can also ask them (and electric and gas bikes) to drag you along for short distances. Beware of local laws. [[User:Jackfang|JackFang]] was successful bikehitching in Shanghai, China with Rollerblades. Do expect to communicate in the local language.
== Hitchhiking with skateboards, rollerblades and kick scootering ==
Bikes might be too big for your purpose.
Consider smaller things that can make you go faster in a city, or at the very least help you carry you heavy backpack when you spine gets tired.
You might attract drivers when you are rollerblading or kick scootering in the middle of nowhere. They might offer you a ride without you hitchhiking.
Watch out for the cars, try to scoot on the sidewalks. If you don't have medical insurance it is probably better to just walk.
For a hitchbiker's advice visit:
https://chinesecanadiantraveller.wordpress.com/2015/10/20/hitchhiking-with-wheels-bike-kick-scooter-roller-blades-skateboard-foldable-20-inch-bike/
== External Links ==
