Motorcyclist Philip Contos protesting helmet laws dies in bike crash while not wearing his helmet

Mike Gallagher

Jul 3, 2011 - 14:20

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Motorcyclist Philip Contos protesting helmet laws dies in bike crash while not wearing his helmet

Protest: Philip was protesting against helmet laws on his Harley Davidson when he fell off and hit his head. Doctors say a helmet would have saved him (file photo)

A motorcyclist who was participating in a protest ride against helmet laws died after he flipped over the bike's handlebars and hit his head on the road.

Philip A, Contos, 55, from New York, was driving a 1983 Harley Davidson with a group of friends who were all protesting against helmet laws by not wearing helmets.

The accident happened on Saturday afteoon in the town of Onondaga, in central New York near Syracuse.

State Troopers said Mr Contos hit his brakes and the motorcycle fishtailed, spinning the bike out of control and sending him over the handlebars.

He was pronounced dead at Upstate University hospital, where doctors said he would have survived if he had been wearing a helmet.

Troopers say Mr Contos would have likely survived if he had been wearing a helmet.

The protest was organised by American Bikers Aimed Towards Education, authorities said.

On its website, the group says it promotes motorcycle safety, awareness and education and organizes motorcycle rides.