Como Mayor Bans Bikes in Historic Centre After Being Hit by E-Bike

The mayor of Como, Italy, Alessandro Rapinese, has announced a ban on cycling across around 30 streets in the city’s historic centre after he was hit by an electric bicycle while leaving a meeting.

The restriction is expected to take effect in September, requiring cyclists to dismount and walk their bicycles through the affected areas rather than ride them. The measure applies to both conventional bicycles and e-bikes.

Rapinese said his personal experience influenced the decision, acknowledging that he was struck by an e-bike in July shortly after a meeting where city officials had discussed traffic restrictions.

“People act based on their own experiences and I know what it’s like to be hit by one of these beasts,” the mayor said.

According to the mayor, the restriction is primarily intended to improve pedestrian safety in Como’s busy historic centre, particularly as the popular tourist destination experiences heavy foot traffic.

However, the decision has sparked controversy among residents, cyclists and local groups. Critics argue that the mayor’s personal experience should not be the basis for restricting cycling across large sections of the city and have accused the administration of going too far.

A local citizens’ group, Civitas Como, has challenged the measure, while another organisation, Nova Como, has announced plans for a protest bike ride in September. An online petition opposing the ban has also been launched.

The new restrictions form part of a wider traffic-management plan for Como’s historic centre. The city is also introducing tighter controls on vehicles entering the area, including a limited traffic zone and new rules affecting deliveries and tourist vehicles.

For cyclists, the ban does not mean bicycles are prohibited throughout Como. Instead, riders will be required to get off their bikes and push them through the approximately 30 affected streets. Much of the surrounding city will remain accessible to cyclists.

The unusual circumstances behind the decision have nevertheless made Como’s new cycling rules an international talking point, with the mayor’s description of bicycles as “beasts” adding fuel to the debate over whether the restrictions are a necessary safety measure or an excessive response to one incident.