Introduction
The mayor of Como, Alessandro Rapinese, has announced a ban on bicycles in certain areas of the historic Italian city, a decision he says stems from his own experience of being hit by an electric bike. The ban, which takes effect in September and covers around 30 streets, requires cyclists to dismount and walk their bikes, regardless of whether they are electric or traditional push bikes.
The mayor's rationale
Rapinese said the ban was necessary to improve public safety, especially in a city that attracts millions of tourists each year. He told Italian news agency Ansa: "People act based on their own experiences and I know what it's like to be hit by one of these beasts." In another quote, he added: "In other cities, a child ends up in hospital and then the politicians take action. Here, I didn't even end up in hospital. I was hit by a bike, I gathered information and that's where this measure came from."
Rapinese explained his decision in a video on his own online channel, RapiNews24. He recounted that he was leaving city hall when he was hit by an e-bike. Reports differ on the exact timing: some sources say the incident occurred in July, while a The Guardian article says it happened in June. The cyclist involved has not been identified. Rapinese described the collision in his video, saying he was "mowed down by an e-bike at full speed" and did a "360-degree somersault," resulting in a bruised and cut arm.
The ban and its scope
The measure is part of a package of new traffic regulations that establishes a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) to manage tourist growth in the city, which is a popular destination on Lake Como. The broader Como and Lecco province welcomes 5.6 million visitors a year, with Lake Como alone attracting 4.8 million. The city of Como has about 84,000 residents.
Many of the roads covered by the ban are the widest in the old town and are popular with delivery drivers. The ban applies to both electric and push bikes because the Italian highway code does not distinguish between models. Como's Roman-walled centre is already covered by a limited-traffic zone, and bicycles have become a go-to method of transport for locals.
The new traffic regulations for the ZTL also impose stricter rules on cars and vans. Some vehicles will require an annual permit and a €3 (£2.60) daily fee for entry. Deliveries to shops and restaurants will only be allowed between 06:00 and 23:00, while hotel guests can only drive into the centre if their accommodation has parking.
Reactions and backlash
The ban has faced backlash from local residents and politicians. An online petition has been launched to block the resolution, and the local citizens group Civitas Como has challenged the ban as "questionable and erroneous." The Nova Como association has organised a protest bike ride for 12 September. Vincenzo Falanga, president of Nova Como, accused the administration of "turning individual problems into collective ones."
Politicians from across the political spectrum have also criticised the measure. The Como branch of the centre-left Democratic party said in a statement: "Como deserves a mobility system that ensures pedestrian safety without penalising residents, workers and those who choose sustainable transport." Paolo Emilio Russo, a politician with the rightwing Forza Italia, expressed sympathy with Rapinese over the collision but called the ban "crazy."
Critics argue that some of the streets affected are the widest in the centre, offering smooth transit towards Lake Como, and that banning bikes excludes people from using a low-cost, environmentally friendly mode of transport. The measure especially impacts delivery riders and shop owners who depend on them for supplies. Some critics say the mayor should focus on cracking down on reckless driving behaviour rather than banning bikes.
Broader context
Several other local authorities around Europe, including in the UK, have restricted where and how e-bikes and other single-person vehicles can be used. In Italy, Palermo has restricted bikes in some sections of its main streets since 2023. Paris banned rental e-scooters outright in 2023, and rented e-scooters were also banned in Como's city centre in 2022.
The Gateway Pundit, citing UK Department for Transport statistics as reported by The Telegraph, noted that the number of pedestrians seriously injured by cyclists hit a record level in 2025, with 234 such injuries across England, Scotland and Wales, a 71% increase compared with 2016, when 136 such injuries were logged. A record 70 people were hit by cyclists on pedestrian crossing facilities in 2025.
Perspectives
Mayor's administration: Mayor Alessandro Rapinese defends the ban as a necessary measure for public safety, citing his personal experience of being hit by an e-bike and the need to act in a tourist-packed city. He acknowledges the personal motivation but insists the measure is part of a broader plan to manage traffic and tourist growth.
Critics and local groups: Resident groups, activists, and political opponents including Vincenzo Falanga, the Democratic party branch, and Paolo Emilio Russo argue that the ban is an overreaction that penalises residents, workers, and sustainable transport users. They call for a mobility system that ensures pedestrian safety without collective punishment and suggest focusing on reckless behaviour instead.