Como Mayor Fires a Bike Ban
After a close call with an electric bike, Mayor Alessandro Rapinese has slapped a blanket ban on bicycles in 30 streets of the historic city of Como. He said the measure was necessary to improve public safety.
From September, cyclists will have to dismount at a stop on each affected street. The ban applies to both electric and push bikes, as the Italian highway code treats them the same. The new traffic regulations also impose a Limited Traffic Zone, setting stricter rules for cars, vans and deliveries.
Delivery drivers, who usually navigate the widest parts of the old town, will now be allowed between 06:00 and 23:00 only. Tourists in hotels must have dedicated parking to drive inside the centre.
The decision, explained in a viral video by the mayor (RapiNews24), stemmed from a July incident where he was hit by an e‑bike near city hall. The cyclist remains unidentified.
Not everyone is happy. Bikers from Civitas Como have called the ban "questionable and erroneous" and a civic petition now seeks to block the resolution. The Nova Como association plans a protest bike ride for 12 September.
Other cities are tightening similar rules. Palermo banned bikes on main streets in 2023, while Paris clamped down on e‑scooter safety and banned rentals in 2023.
