A 21-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of cyclist Adrian Bridgeman.
Karl Herbert, of Bland Road, in New Parks, Leicester, appeared before Leicester Magistrates' Court today.
He was accused of murdering 25-year-old Adrian Bridgeman, who died in hospital yesterday morning.
Mr Bridgeman – known to his friends and family as Ady – was involved in a collision involving a Ford Connect Van on Tuesday, in New Parks Boulevard.
Dressed in a dark blue jumper and trousers, Herbert spoke only to confirm his name and address during the five-minute hearing.
The public gallery at the Pocklingtons Walk court was full of the accused's family and friends, many of whom burst into tears as he was lead into the dock.
Adrian's parents Caroline and Jess Bridgeman today issued a statement through Leicestershire police, paying tribute to their son.
They said: "Ady was a kind, caring and loving son, brother and uncle.
"He didn't have a bad bone in his body and was always smiling and laughing. He adored his nieces and nephews and they will miss him tremendously, as we all will.
"Ady was a happy go lucky person, everywhere he went he would make people laugh. Ady had many friends and we are sure they would all say the same about him.
"He didn't deserve to die so young. This family has been ripped apart by this tragedy and the way he died will stay with us forever."
A 24-year-old man, also arrested in connection with the incident, has been released on police bail.
A 16-year-old youth also arrested has been released without charge.
Prior to today's hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Harrison, who is leading the investigation, said: "The incident was reported to police as a road traffic collision.
"However, as the investigation has progressed it has now changed into a murder inquiry."
He said Mr Bridgeman's family were "still trying to come to terms with their grief at the loss of a loved one".
Specialist officers were working with the family to support them through what was a very difficult time, he said.
Yesterday, flowers were left at the scene of the incident.
Tributes also flooded into a Facebook group – RIP Ady Bridgeman – set up by friends in the wake of his death.
A card left at the scene read: "Ady, a tragic waste of a young life. You will be remembered in our hearts. All our love Simon and Krystal." Another said: "Ady, you will always be in our thoughts and we will miss you. Estelle, Donna and Sam."
Dozens of people posted messages within a few hours of the Facebook site being launched.
Among the tributes, one said: "RIP. Gone but never forgotten, my thoughts go out to Ady's family at this sad time."
Det Chief Insp Harrison launched an appeal for witnesses.
He said: "We believe there was another pedal cyclist travelling along New Parks Boulevard, close to the scene of the incident, at the time and we would urge this person to contact us.
"Any calls received will be dealt with in the strictest confidence."
Anyone with any information is being asked to call Leicestershire police on 0116 222 2222.