Abstract: A carrier for carrying loads, e.g., bicycles, external to a vehicle is described. It comprises: an inverted U-shaped frame which is usually disposed in an upright position when in use; a set of flexible straps which attach to the lower end of the frame and to an anchor point within a vehicle cavity, e.g., a trunk; a cam attached to each leg of the frame to distribute load forces over the straps, to aid in tensioning the straps to enhance their function of supporting the frame and the load, and to space the carrier from a vehicle; and an adjustable belt connecting the upper end of the frame to the vehicle so that adjustment of the belt permits the frame to pivot about the cams so that it can be rotated downwardly to engage a load which, when attached to the frame, can be raised by appropriate adjustment of the belt to obviate the need to lift the load up to the upright carrier.The carrier can be readily removed from a vehicle by disconnecting the straps at their anchor points.