I think the original article is talking about more long-distance hitchhiking. The sort of localized things like getting a ride from an Appalachian Trail trailhe

I think the original article is talking about more long-distance hitchhiking. The sort of localized things like getting a ride from an Appalachian Trail trailhead into town, or a lift back up Teton Pass, or into LCC (all of which I've received and given), are a slightly different phenomena. It's pretty easy to recognize a thru-hiker or skier just from their equipment and clothing, and of course destination, and that removes a lot of the risk.