Controversial decision in Italian city: Mayor bans bikes from historic center after being hit by one

The Italian city of Como is experiencing a wave of controversy following Mayor Alessandro Rapinese's decision to ban bicycles from its historic center. The ban, set to take effect in September, will prohibit both electric and regular bicycles from approximately 30 streets in the popular lakeside town.

Rapinese has faced accusations of enacting a personal vendetta, with resident groups and politicians across the political spectrum criticizing the move. Activists have launched a petition to overturn the rule, and cyclists are planning a protest ride through the affected streets in mid-September. The mayor defended his decision, acknowledging that being struck by an electric bicycle in June influenced his stance.

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I have been accused of adopting this measure because I was hit by an electric bicycle – certainly, it is true. People act based on their own experiences and know what it is like to be hit by one of these beasts.

"I have been accused of adopting this measure because I was hit by an electric bicycle – certainly, it is true. People act based on their own experiences and know what it is like to be hit by one of these beasts," Rapinese stated. The collision occurred as he was leaving the town hall, ironically, shortly after a meeting discussing traffic restrictions in the center. The identity of the cyclist involved was not disclosed.

Rapinese asserted that the ban is necessary for public safety, particularly in areas crowded with tourists. He noted that Italian traffic law does not differentiate between electric and traditional bicycles, hence the blanket prohibition. Notably, rented electric scooters were already banned from Como's center in 2022.

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Como deserves a mobility system that ensures the safety of pedestrians without penalizing residents, workers, and those who choose sustainable transport.

Critics, however, argue that the ban unfairly penalizes a cheap and environmentally friendly mode of transport. They point out that some affected streets are among the widest in the center and provide easy access to Lake Como. The measure is expected to disproportionately affect delivery couriers and shop owners who rely on bicycles for their businesses. Local civic group Nova Como, which organized the planned protest, accused Rapinese's administration of turning individual problems into collective ones. The Democratic Party's local branch stated that Como deserves a mobility system that ensures pedestrian safety without penalizing residents and sustainable transport users.

Despite some sympathy for his accident, even from politicians in the ruling Forza Italia party, Rapinese remains firm. He cited examples from other cities where serious injuries have prompted policy changes, suggesting that his personal experience, even without hospitalization, was a catalyst for action. The debate highlights the tension between public safety concerns and the promotion of sustainable urban mobility.

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In other cities, a child ends up in the hospital, and then politicians take measures. Here, we didn't even end up in the hospital. I was hit by a bicycle, I gathered information, and this measure started from here.