Donald "Pappy" Pittsley

The Man Behind the Movement: Pappy and the Fight for Biker Rights

In the mid-20th century, motorcycle enthusiasts across the United States faced increasing restrictions that threatened their lifestyle. Among the most contentious of these was the mandatory helmet law. However, one man, known simply as "Pappy," stood at the forefront of the battle to protect the freedom of the open road in Connecticut.

After a career in the Navy, Pappy found himself working for Ralph Strong’s Motorcycle Shop. It was there that he grew increasingly involved with the state’s riding community. When the Connecticut Motorcycle Association (CMA) was established in 1967, its mission was clear: protect motorcyclists' rights. The organization took shape as a response to mounting pressure for helmet regulations. Pappy, with his steadfast belief in personal freedom, soon emerged as its leader and, more importantly, its voice.

The 1970s were a tumultuous time for bikers. The federal government frequently used highway funds as leverage, coercing states to enact laws such as the mandatory helmet requirement. If a state refused, it risked losing a critical stream of revenue for its infrastructure. Pappy viewed this tactic as a blatant form of blackmail, and he wasn’t alone.

Rallying friends and supporters, Pappy found an ally in Representative Rufus Rose. Rose submitted a bill to repeal the helmet law in Connecticut’s legislature. However, true progress required bringing the fight to a larger stage. Senator Stu McKinney championed the CMA’s cause, taking their argument of federal overreach to the House Transportation Committee in Washington. The committee ultimately ruled in favor of the bikers, setting a precedent that empowered states to push back against the federal mandates.

With the ruling in hand, Pappy refocused his efforts on Connecticut. He lobbied relentlessly, persuading members of the state House and Senate to draft and pass a no-helmet bill. His tenacity paid off: Connecticut legislators voted to allow riders over the age of 21 to choose whether to wear a helmet. Yet, tragically, Pappy didn’t live to see the final victory. He passed away from a heart attack before the governor signed the bill into law.

Pappy’s fight was far from a simple matter of policy. It was a battle over personal freedom and respect for motorcyclists as responsible, autonomous individuals. His legacy lives on not just in Connecticut’s statutes but in the hearts of the riding community. Riders honor him annually with a motorcycle run, remembering his dedication and sacrifice. His friends reflect on his life with the words, “If you divided all of a man’s efforts into two columns—acts of giving and acts of taking—you would clearly see that Pappy was a giver.”

Because of Pappy’s tireless commitment, Connecticut remains one of the few states that allows riders over 21 to decide for themselves whether or not to wear a helmet. And his story serves as a reminder that one person’s determination can change the course of history.

So, the next time you see a rider cruising helmet-free on Connecticut’s winding roads, remember Pappy: the man who fought for the freedom of the ride.