Motorcyclist Dies While Participating in Helmet Law Protest Ride Hot

A man in New York died today after crashing his motorcycle during a helmet law protest ride. The man flipped over his bike’s handlebars and hit his head on the pavement.

Philip A. Contos, 55, of Parish, N.Y., was riding a 1983 Harley with a group of fellow riders who were protesting New York’s mandatory helmet law. Cantos crashed near Onondaga, in central New York, near Syracuse.

According to officials, Contos hit his brakes and the motorcycle “fishtailed.” Contos was taken to a nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after the accident. The Post-Standard reports that evidence at the scene suggests that Contos would have survived if he were wearing a helmet.

Contos was riding in support of ABATE, the American Bikers Aimed Towards Education organization. ABATE New York encourages helmet use, but does not support a mandatory helmet law.

From the ABATE website:

“ABATE of New York Inc. encourages the voluntary use of helmets, gloves, sturdy footwear, and protective garments by adult motorcyclists, as part of a comprehensive motorcycle safety program. We do not support laws mandating use of helmets at all times by all riders.”