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Crash Victim Represented In Suspect's Court Appearance By Fellow Cyclists

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4)- Fellow cyclists went to court on Thursday to represent a man struck and killed by a driver.

Investigators say Patrick Allen Ward may have been drinking and driving when he drove the wrong way on Main Street in Lyons and hit Michel Van Duym. Duym, 46, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ward, 69, faces charges of vehicular homicide, careless driving resulting in death and driving under the influence. He went before a judge on Thursday.

Duym's fellow cyclists are concerned because of previous actions by Ward that seem to target bicyclists.

Patrick Allen Ward
Patrick Allen Ward in court on Monday (credit: CBS)

Ward made some comments in town hall meetings that disturbed the cycling community. It was enough to prompt two cyclists to make an appearance on behalf of Duym in court.

"We live here, we ride here and this sport is so important that we felt it was important to come down here today," said cyclist Suzanne Ackley.

Ackley and several others showed up at the Boulder Jail wearing jerseys that read "Share the Road."

It's a direct message for Ward.

"My heart breaks every time an accident, I hear of an accident or tragedy like this... a death," said Ackley.

Duym is being remembered by a ghost bike left in his memory near where the fatal crash happened.

"I enjoy it so much that I keep on cycling and live with the risk, I guess we all do," said cyclist Ron Hata.

Ward also sent a letter to the Town of Lyons a few years ago. In it he stated that "gangs of cyclists..." are "uncourteous..." and "disobeying..." by breaking the laws of the road.

Ward was protesting the enhancements that would encourage cycling in Lyons.

Ward also was heard by a local newspaper reporter making the statment, "These people don't belong in Lyons."

"This gentleman is obviously carrying around a lot of animosity and anger. Which has been evident and he was apparently intoxicated," said Ackley.

Ward remains in custody. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for the first week of June.

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