Como mayor bans 'beasts' in city centre after being hit by bicycle
Alessandro Rapinese issues the prohibition for the historic city centre after an encounter with a cyclist last month.
The mayor of Como, Alessandro Rapinese, has implemented a ban on bicycle riding in specific areas of the historic Italian city center, effective from September, following an incident where he was struck by an electric bicycle. Rapinese stated that the prohibition, which will require cyclists to dismount across approximately 30 streets, is essential for enhancing public safety.
Speaking to the Italian news agency Ansa, Rapinese remarked, "People act based on their own experiences and I know what it's like to be hit by one of these beasts." This move aligns with actions taken by other European authorities, including those in the UK, which have imposed restrictions on the usage of e-bikes and similar single-person vehicles.
Rapinese's measure is part of a broader set of new traffic regulations designed to establish a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) to manage tourist influx and enforce stricter rules for cars and vans in the city center. The ban encompasses both electric and traditional bicycles, as Italian highway code does not differentiate between them. Many of the affected roads are the widest in the old town and are frequently used by delivery drivers.
In a self-produced online video series called RapiNews24, Rapinese elaborated on his decision. He recounted a July incident where he collided with an e-bike shortly after leaving city hall, an event that occurred just after his administration had discussed traffic restrictions. The cyclist involved in the collision remains unidentified.
Rapinese noted, "In this case, I didn't even end up in the hospital. I was hit by a bike. I gathered information, and that's where the measure came from." Como's Roman-walled center already operates under a limited-traffic zone, where bicycles have become a popular mode of transport for residents.
The new ZTL regulations will necessitate an annual permit and a daily €3 (£2.60) permit for some vehicles entering the zone. Deliveries to shops and restaurants will be restricted to between 06:00 and 23:00, and tourists staying in hotels will only be permitted to drive into the center if their accommodation provides parking.
The ban has sparked opposition from locals, leading to an online petition aimed at blocking the resolution. Civitas Como, a local citizens' group, has challenged the ban's legitimacy, labeling it "questionable and erroneous." Additionally, the Nova Como association has scheduled a protest bike ride for September 12.
Como is not the first Italian city to restrict bicycles in its historic or busy areas; Palermo introduced similar restrictions on some main streets in 2023. Elsewhere in Europe, Paris recently tightened safety requirements for e-scooter users, having completely banned rental e-scooters in 2023.