The mayor of Como, Alessandro Rapinese, has banned bikes from the city's historic center starting in September, following a personal collision with an e-bike. The decision has sparked protests and criticism from resident groups and politicians.
The ban highlights the tension between public safety concerns and the promotion of sustainable urban mobility, potentially impacting local businesses and residents' access to eco-friendly transportation.
The mayor of Como, Alessandro Rapinese, has implemented a ban on bicycles, including e-bikes, within the city's historic walled center, a measure set to take effect in September. The decision follows a personal incident in June where Rapinese was struck by an e-bike. The ban will affect approximately 30 streets, requiring cyclists to dismount or walk their vehicles in these areas.
Rapinese defended his action, stating that personal experiences often shape policy and that the ban is necessary for public safety, particularly in a tourist-heavy area. He noted that Italian law does not differentiate between e-bikes and traditional bicycles. This move comes after rented e-scooters were banned from the same area in 2022.
The decision has ignited controversy, drawing sharp criticism from resident groups and politicians across the political spectrum. Critics, including Vincenzo Falanga, president of the civic group Nova Como, have accused the mayor of creating collective problems from individual incidents. The center-left Democratic party issued a statement emphasizing the need for pedestrian safety without penalizing sustainable transport users. Paolo Emilio Russo of the rightwing Forza Italia party also deemed the ban "crazy."
Activists have launched a petition to overturn the rule, and cyclists are planning a protest ride in mid-September. Opponents argue that some affected streets are wide and suitable for cycling, and that the ban restricts access to a low-cost, environmentally friendly mode of transport, disproportionately affecting delivery riders and shop owners. Despite the backlash, Mayor Rapinese has remained resolute, drawing parallels to other cities where action was taken after serious accidents.