The short version
- Mayor Alessandro Rapinese announced a ban on bicycle riding in approximately thirty streets of Como’s historic center, effective September.
- The decision follows a July collision between the mayor and an electric bike, which he cited as the primary motivation for the new safety measures.
- Local residents and civic groups have organized protests and launched petitions, arguing the restriction is disproportionate and legally questionable.
The historic Italian city of Como is set to prohibit bicycle riding in its central district starting this September, a policy shift driven by the mayor’s personal experience with traffic safety. Alessandro Rapinese, the city’s leader, announced that cyclists will be required to dismount and walk their bikes through an area encompassing roughly thirty streets. This restriction applies to both electric-assisted bicycles and traditional pedal bikes, as Italian highway regulations do not differentiate between the two categories when defining prohibited zones in limited traffic areas.
Rapinese attributed the sudden change in municipal policy to a specific incident that occurred in July. While leaving city hall, shortly after his administration had discussed potential traffic restrictions, he was struck by an electric bicycle. Although the mayor did not require hospitalization for the collision, he described the vehicle as a 'beast' and stated that the encounter provided him with direct insight into the dangers posed by fast-moving two-wheeled transport in crowded pedestrian zones. He emphasized that public officials often act based on personal experiences, and this event served as the catalyst for the new regulations.
The bicycle ban is part of a broader package of traffic reforms designed to manage the growing influx of tourists and regulate vehicle access in the city’s Roman-walled center. Como already operates a Limited Traffic Zone, or ZTL, which restricts motorized vehicles. The updated rules introduce stricter controls for cars and vans, requiring annual permits for some vehicles and charging a daily fee of approximately three euros for others. Delivery services will be confined to operating hours between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., while tourists driving into the center must stay at hotels that provide on-site parking.
Despite the mayor’s intent to enhance public safety, the proposal has encountered significant resistance from local residents and civic organizations. A citizens group known as Civitas Como has publicly challenged the legitimacy of the ban, characterizing the measure as both questionable and erroneous. They argue that the restriction is disproportionate given that bicycles have become a primary mode of transport for locals navigating the narrow streets of the old town. An online petition has also been launched in an effort to block the resolution from taking effect.
In response to the backlash, the Nova Como association has organized a protest bike ride scheduled for September 12. This demonstration highlights the tension between municipal safety goals and the practical needs of residents who rely on bicycles for daily commuting. The roads covered by the ban are among the widest in the historic district and are frequently used by delivery drivers, raising concerns about logistical disruptions for local businesses and restaurants that depend on timely deliveries.
Rapinese communicated the decision through a series of self-produced online videos known as RapiNews24, bypassing traditional press channels to explain his rationale directly to the public. In these recordings, he recounted the details of the collision and outlined the information gathering process that led to the policy formulation. The cyclist involved in the incident with the mayor has not been identified, and no further legal action against that individual has been reported.
Como’s move reflects a wider trend across Europe where local authorities are grappling with the integration of personal mobility devices into historic urban environments. Several other cities, including locations in the United Kingdom, have implemented restrictions on where and how e-bikes and similar single-person vehicles can be operated. In Italy, Palermo restricted bicycle use on certain main streets starting in 2023, while Paris has tightened safety requirements for e-scooter users after banning rental scooters outright two years prior.
The implementation of these new rules marks a significant shift in how Como manages its public spaces. As the city prepares for the September deadline, officials must balance the enforcement of safety measures with the ongoing dissatisfaction of residents who view the ban as an overreach. The outcome of the protests and legal challenges will likely influence whether the restrictions remain in place or are modified to accommodate both tourist management and local transportation needs.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC World↗Como mayor bans 'beasts' in city centre after being hit by bike
