Ohio driver sends shocking 4th July parade message to cyclists

Organisers of a Fourth of July Parade in Columbus, Ohio have been criticised on social media for allowing a vehicle to take part that had a bicycle attached to the bonnet, a pair of legs sticking out through the sunroof, and a message on the door that read, "I'll share the road when you follow the rules."

Twitter user and local cyclist Spencer Hackett posted a picture to Twitter of the vehicle, which was taking part in the city's annual Doo Dah Parade, which is held on Independence Day.

"I'll share the road when you follow the rules."

The #DooDahParade organizers should be ashamed. Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/TdaSl4JZfv

— Spencer Hackett (@velospence) July 4, 2016

Similar parades, which combine political satire with a celebration of the First Amendment right to freedom of speech, are held throughout the year in several cities throughout the United States, having originated in Pasadena, California in 1978.

Others are held in Ocean City, New Jersey and, in the city of Kalamazoo in Ohio's neighbouring state of Michigan, where five cyclists were killed last month when a pick-up truck driver crashed into them.

> Full coverage of the Kalamazoo tragedy

So far, Hackett's post has been retweeted more than 200 times with a number of those commenting wondering how the driver was permitted on the parade with his vehicle and that he had gone well beyond what should be classified as free speech.

Free speech has limits, and incititing violence is one of them @velospence @Mike_OMC_Creed

— Scott (@sbwhite) July 4, 2016

@velospence What a message to teach these children.

— The Group Ride (@TheGroupRide) July 4, 2016

Hackett pointed out that Columbus's city government is pursuing bike-friendly policies, which he suggested may have prompted the motorist's message.

@hykalot Columbus has a great and strong cycling community that is building new lanes/paths by the month, this is just kickback 1/2

— Spencer Hackett (@velospence) July 4, 2016