Como mayor bans 'beasts' in city centre after being hit by bike

The mayor of Como, Italy, has enacted a ban on riding bicycles in certain areas of the historic city center following a personal incident. Alessandro Rapinese recounted an encounter in July where he collided with an e-bike shortly after the city's administration discussed traffic restrictions in the downtown area. Bicycles will now be required to dismount in a 30-street area starting September.

The mayor stated that observing the consequences of his actions prompted the decision. Several other European cities, including the UK, have implemented similar restrictions on e-bikes and single-person vehicles. This move is part of a broader package of new traffic regulations aimed at managing tourist influx and enforcing stricter rules for cars and vans within the city center.

The ban applies to both electric and push bikes, as Italian law does not differentiate between models. Rapinese explained his rationale in a series of online videos called RapiNews24, drawing from his own experience. The Roman-walled center of Como has already been under a limited-traffic zone, and bicycles have become commonplace among locals.

New regulations for the ZTL include permit requirements for vehicles and restricted entry times for deliveries and tourists. The ban has sparked controversy, with a local citizens group challenging its legitimacy and organizing a protest bike ride. This isn't the first instance of bicycle restrictions in Italian cities; Palermo implemented similar measures in 2023, while Paris recently tightened safety requirements for e-scooter users.