Como Mayor implements bicycle ban in historic center

The Mayor of Como, Alessandro Rapinese, is implementing a ban on bicycle traffic across 30 key streets in the city's historic center. The decision follows an incident in July where Rapinese was struck by an e-bike while leaving city hall.

Under the new regulations, which are expected to take effect in September, cyclists will be required to walk their bicycles on specific routes connecting the walled city to areas such as Piazza San Fedele, the Duomo, and the lakefront. City officials state the measure is intended to protect pedestrians and reduce collisions in high-traffic tourist areas.

Critics and opposing politicians have characterized the move as a knee-jerk reaction to the mayor's personal accident. Rapinese has defended the policy, noting that Italian highway laws do not distinguish between standard and electric bicycles, making a ban on e-bikes alone legally vulnerable. The city previously implemented a ban on electric scooter rentals in 2022.