Key facts
- Mayor Alessandro Rapinese of Como has banned all bikes, including e-bikes, from the city's walled historic center.
- The ban will take effect in September and covers approximately 30 streets.
- Rapinese cited being hit by an e-bike in June as the direct cause for the measure.
- The decision has faced significant backlash from local residents, civic groups, and politicians.
- Critics argue the ban unfairly penalizes cyclists and delivery workers, hindering sustainable transport.
Alessandro Rapinese, the mayor of Como, has implemented a ban on all bicycles, including electric models, within the city's historic walled center. The measure, which will take effect in September, covers approximately 30 streets and requires cyclists to dismount. Mayor Rapinese stated that his personal experience of being hit by an e-bike in July directly influenced his decision, emphasizing public safety in the tourist-heavy area.
The Italian highway code does not differentiate between electric and traditional bicycles, leading to the comprehensive ban. This new regulation is part of a broader package of traffic rules for the city's Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), which also imposes stricter controls on cars and vans, including permit requirements for entry and specific delivery windows.
The decision has been met with considerable opposition from local residents and civic groups. Civitas Como has questioned the ban's legitimacy, while Nova Como has organized a protest bike ride. The center-left Democratic party and rightwing Forza Italia have also criticized the measure, arguing it unfairly penalizes sustainable transport users and delivery workers. An online petition has been launched to overturn the resolution.