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Cruising is a social activity among teenagers in many United States towns that primarily consists of driving a car around looking for friends. For teens, cruising is often an expression of the new-found freedom that a driver's license bestows.
What distinguishes cruising from regular driving is that the object is not to go anywhere in particular, but to be seen by one's peers. Usually there is a popular route (called a strip) that most teens will drive. As such, "cruise nights" can end up with cars full of teens driving slowly bumper-to-bumper through town.
Perhaps the most famous cruising strip (or main drag) is McHenry Avenue in Modesto, California. The cruising culture of the early 1960s was depicted in the film American Graffiti, set (but not actually filmed) in director George Lucas' home town of Modesto, which also hosts an annual "Graffiti Night" celebration in the film's honor.
The popularity of cruising in the United States peaked in perhaps the mid to late 1970s. In subsequent years, many locales have passed ordinances against cruising.
As of the year 2004, 82.9% of all 16 to 17 year olds have their driver's license. This majority makes up a substantial number of those who partake in the cruising experience.
Cruising in the UK
In the United Kingdom, this term is used to describe a modified car scene by Boy racers such as Reece Metcalfe. A car meet is usually referred to by them as Cruises or the Cruise Scene and can be found in seaside areas, industrial estates and areas that have a large carpark within a retail area (Thus it can be called a misnomer as they are more commonly parked). These commonly incorporate a McDonalds which is popular for them particularly the carparks. It is not unusual for these meetings to attract the attention of the local police, especially with drivers pulling out unauthorised burnouts and doughnuts especially in crowded areas purely for show and these events are sometimes run illegally but recently, more authorised meeting are beginning to rise. Recently, towns who felt the scene is doing bad for their areas, are attempting to depose the scene by placing speed bumps on roads with minor effect.
See also
For the UK and Ireland see:
"Cruising (driving around)"