TORONTO - About 40 Toronto cyclists took part in a memorial ride for a man who died after an altercation with former Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant.

They say they hope the event draws attention for the need for safer streets.

Bike courier Darcy Allan Sheppard latched onto Bryant's car last fall and died after falling under the vehicle.

Prosecutors withdraw charges against Bryant, saying an angry Sheppard attacked the former cabinet minister and he was legally justified in trying escape.

Sheppard's father Allan Sheppard travelled from Edmonton to attend the ride.

Police said the incident began with a minor collision on a busy downtown street that resulted in Sheppard clutching the side of Bryant's car.

Evidence showed Sheppard had a history of aggressive behaviour with drivers and twice the legal limit of alcohol in his blood at the time of the incident.