In brief
Como’s mayor Alessandro Rapinese announced a ban on bicycle use in a 30‑street zone effective September 2026 after being struck by an e‑bike. The measure is part of a package that will limit car and van traffic within the historic centre. While aimed at public safety, it has sparked backlash from residents and cycling groups, who fear a loss of mobility for locals and tourists alike. Similar restrictions have appeared across Italy and Europe, reflecting a trend toward stricter control of single‑person transport in busy arch‑towns.
Alessandro Rapinese declared a ban on bicycles in a 30‑street section of Como’s historic centre, effective from September 2026, following an incident in which he was hit by an electric bike. The mayor said that “people act based on their own experiences,” citing his own experience in the collision as the basis for the new rule.
The ban applies to all pedal and electric bicycles and is part of a broader package that creates a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL). The ZTL will also require annual permits for certain vehicles and impose a €3 daily permit for each entry. Delivery personnel will be restricted to operating between 06:00 and 23:00, and visitors staying in hotels will only be allowed access if their accommodation offers secure parking.
The decision has met with criticism from local residents. Citizens’ groups such as Civitas Como have called the ban “questionable and erroneous,” and a petition to overturn the measure has collected thousands of signatures. In contrast, Nova Como has organised a protest bike ride set for 12 September to raise awareness of the issue.
Como is not alone; other Italian cities such as Palermo adopted bicycle restrictions in busy streets in 2023, and Paris has tightened safety requirements for e‑scooter users, with a full ban on rental e‑scooters introduced in 2023. Across Europe, municipalities are revisiting rules to balance tourist traffic, heritage conservation and modern mobility solutions.
The mayor’s announcement comes from a series of online videos, known as RapiNews24, in which he explained the incident and the rationale behind the new regulation. While the cyclist involved in the collision remains unidentified, the mayor emphasised that he has not been physically harmed but was forced to confront the hazards posed by fast‑moving e‑bikes in narrow, historic streets.
As Como’s city centre rebuilds its traffic scheme, the debate continues about how best to preserve the city’s heritage while ensuring safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and visitors. The outcomes of these restrictions will likely shape future policies on urban mobility in historic European towns.
