Biker in upstate New York who was participating in a ride to protest helmet laws died after he crashed his motorcycle and hit his head, authorities said.
Philip A. Contos, 55, was killed on Saturday afternoon during a ride in Onondaga when his 1983 Harley skidded out of control and he flipped over the handlebars, the Post-Standard reported.
Contos was riding in a "helmet protest run" with a group organized 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.
State Troopers told the Syracuse Post-Standard that Contos was driving a 1983 Harley Davidson when his bike fishtailed and he flipped over the handlebars, striking his head on the pavement. He was later pronounced dead at Upstate University Hospital. Police say that had he been wearing a helmet, Contos would probably have survived the accident.
The ride was organized in part by ABATE (American Bikers Aimed for Education), according to a local ABC affiliate reporting on the accident. A spokesperson for the group said they didn't know if Contos was a member.
Many motorcycling enthusiasts have fought against helmet laws, saying they infringe on personal rights and that studies on helmet laws impacting safety have been skewed. Michigan is currently considering a repeal of its helmet law, which has passed the senate but still needs to move through the legislature and be signed by Governor Rick Snyder.
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