# Extreme Public Transportation Giant Suction Cups for Hitchhikers for 2008 Fiat Contest By Pearl | Published 2008-09-10 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giant-suction-cups-hitch-a-free-ride-by-robert-nightingale References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2008/09/09/hitch-a-free-ride/) & [robertnightingaledesign](http://www.robertnightingaledesign.com/) Hitch is a device for getting free rides by attaching oneself onto a vehicle using [giant suction cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magsafe-suction-grip). There are three of them on a reinforced [waist harness](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bike-backpack). A hand suction cup is also available to help keep the user stable during transit. Robert Nightingale, a British industrial designer came up with the concept design for the 2008 [Fiat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tris-ev) competition entitled “Smiles from A-to B”. He dreamed it up over breakfast, the prototype was completed that same evening and the pictures were taken the next morning in Brooklyn. He recommends that “you position yourself at traffic lights, railway stations or air hangers. Subtly wait for the opportune moment (which is precisely 7 seconds before the initial point of acceleration) and attach the product as firmly as possible to the host vehicle (a brief run up usually does the trick), paying attention to ground clearance for one’s feet and enjoy the ride!” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 38% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Extreme Transportation:** The concept of extreme transportation involves unconventional methods of getting from one place to another, such as using giant suction cups. - **Shared Mobility:** The hitch device allows for a shared mobility experience where individuals can hitch a ride on a vehicle, reducing the need for personal transportation. - **Urban Hitchhiking:** Urban hitchhiking using innovative devices like the hitch opens up new possibilities for commuters to travel within cities more efficiently and sustainably. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Automotive:** The automotive industry can explore the integration of unique hitching devices into vehicles to offer a novel mode of transportation for customers. - **Safety Equipment:** The development of safety equipment for extreme transportation, like reinforced waist harnesses and suction cups, presents opportunities for innovation in the safety industry. - **Urban Mobility:** The urban mobility sector can incorporate extreme transportation solutions as part of their offerings to provide alternative ways for people to navigate congested cities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable Multi-Person Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hop-vehicle.md) - [Escapism Electric Vehicle Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trekker-concept-vehicle.md) - [Rack-Free Car Ski Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trailer-hitch-ski-rack.md) - [Multi-Person Scooter Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scooter-platform.md) - [Powered Suction Car Racks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fovno-esh1b.md) - [Compact Cyclist Car Mounts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightbull-rack.md) - [In-Car Coat Hanger Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multi-hanger.md) - [Van-Compatible Bicycle Racks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vancompatible-bicycle-racks.md) - [Electric Transportation Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-transportation-concept.md)