# Hygienic Subway Straps These Hanging Straps for Subways Ensure Personal Space By Mishal Omar | Published 2016-07-25 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hanging-straps References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/3062120/finally-a-subway-strap-design-that-eliminates-awkward-hand-touching/5) & [productdesigncenter.jp](http://www.productdesigncenter.jp/) The hanging straps that are often seen in subways tend to be designed to be overly flexible -- the Tokyo-based firm 'Product Design Center' aims to change this. The problem with [flexible subway straps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phone-sling) is that when subway cars make sudden movements, the straps move with it and commuters will lurch forward and invade the [personal space](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/middle-seat) of those around them. The handles designed by Product Design Center look like [gymnastics rings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/equipt-movement) and are more secure. They can be held by two people at once without their hands touching -- avoiding potential awkward encounters and unhygienic situations. This securely designed subway handle is perfect for a world in which overcrowding in cities and heavy commuter traffic makes commuting stressful and more cramped. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [Travel](https://www.trendhunter.com/travel) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Secure Subway Straps:** Designing subway straps that ensure personal space and hygiene. - **Less Invasive Handles:** Creating handles that do not invade personal space in subways. - **Stress-free Commute:** Innovating subway designs that reduce stress in commuters' daily lives. ### Where This Applies - **Transportation:** Developing hygienic and secure fixtures for public transportation systems. - **Product Design:** Designing handles and straps for subways that can improve the overall experience of commuting. - **Urban Planning:** Incorporating hygienic and secure subway fixtures into the planning of urban transportation systems. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessible Train Interior Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proteus-rail-interior-system.md) - [Shopping Cart Disinfecting Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sliball.md) - [Multifunction Travel Handles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tank-series.md) - [Hands-Free Door Handle Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/safe-lever-door-opener.md) - [Self-Defence Tubular Inflatable Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/street-seat.md) - [Sporty Climbing-Inspired Hangers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grip-hanger.md) - [Three-in-One Hygiene Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-hygiene-kit.md) - [Flexible Smartphone Carrying Straps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/morf-strap.md) - [Space-Saving Urban Mobility Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-doro.md)