Como Mayor Bans Electric and Push Bikes After Collision Incident
In the historic Italian lake town of Como, the mayor, Alessandro Rapinese, imposed a comprehensive ban on electric and push‑bike traffic across 30 streets of the old town after he was hit by an electric bike in July.
Rapinese, who had been discussing traffic restrictions with city officials, described the moment as a wake‑up call: "People act based on their own experiences and I know what it’s like to be hit by one of these beasts," he told the national news agency Ansa. He added that the ban is necessary to improve public safety amid increasing use of single‑person vehicles in narrow, historic streets.
The new rules are part of a broader package of traffic regulations establishing a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) that aims to manage tourist flow and restrict cars and vans in the city centre. The ZTL, already in place, will now also prohibit e‑bikes and push bikes, which are treated the same under Italy’s Highway Code. Deliveries to shops and restaurants will only be allowed between 06:00 and 23:00, while private cars can enter the centre only if parked at hotels.
Residents have pushed back against the ban. Local citizens’ group Civitas Como called the policy “questionable and erroneous,” and launched an online petition. The Nova Como association has organised a protest bike ride scheduled for 12 September. The measure echoes regulatory trends in other European cities: Palermo has restricted bikes in main streets since 2023, and Paris tightened safety requirements for e‑scooters and banned rental e‑scooters in 2023.
Rapinese released a video explaining the decision via his online channel RapiNews24, detailing the incident and the motivations behind the new restrictions. The cyclist involved remains unidentified, and the mayor himself was not injured.
Mayor Rapinese’s decision highlights the tension between encouraging sustainable mobility and ensuring safety in historic urban areas. Citizens and local businesses will watch closely as the ban takes effect, assessing whether the protection of residents outweighs the loss of convenient transport options.
