 | This article possibly contains original research. (June 2013) |
Skitching (abbreviated from "skate-hitching", pron: /ˈskɪtʃɪŋ/) is the act of hitching a ride by holding onto a motor vehicle while riding on a skateboard, roller skates, bicycle, or sneakers when there is snowfall. It is also sometimes referred to as bum-riding or hooky bobbing when being towed over snowy or icy streets on boots or a sled.[1] In addition, skitching can be performed on a bicycle or inner tube.[2]
Because skitching is often done in traffic, on inadequate equipment for the speeds traveled, and sometimes without the knowledge of the driver of the vehicle, there is significant potential for injury or death. The skateboarding advocacy group Skaters for Public Skateparks reported that 2 of 42 skateboarding deaths in 2011 in the United States involved skitching.[3]
Skateboarding celebrity Tony Hawk has advocated against the practice of skitching due to the related deaths and injuries.[4]
Michael J. Fox can be seen skitching in Back to the Future (1985), as can Michael Beck in Xanadu (1980) and Christian Slater in Gleaming the Cube (1989) and Nerve (2016) as a dangerous stunt. It was portrayed in Biker Boyz (2003), Lords of Dogtown (2005), Premium Rush (2012), and Better Call Saul (season 1, 2015).
