The Mayor of Como, Italy, announced a ban on bicycles and electric bicycles in certain parts of the city after he was struck by an electric bicycle. He said he knows well what it feels like to be hit by one of these "beasts."
On Thursday, 20 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Alessandro Rapinese, Mayor of Como, Italy's historic old city, announced a ban on cycling in parts of the city covering more than 30 streets, effective from September. He cited the measure as essential for public safety.
Rapinese told the Italian news agency ANSA, “People tend to act based on their own experiences, and I know very well what it feels like to be hit by one of these beasts.”
Besides Como, many local authorities across Europe, including in the United Kingdom, have also imposed restrictions on where and how electric bicycles and other personal vehicles can be used.
The measure proposed by Rapinese is part of new traffic laws establishing a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) to manage the growing number of tourists and to enforce stricter rules for cars and vans in the city center.
Many of the streets under the ban are among the widest in the old town and popular routes for delivery workers. The ban covers both electric and regular bicycles, as Italy's highway code does not differentiate between these vehicle types.
Rapinese recounted the incident in July when he was hit by an electric bicycle while leaving city hall. The collision happened shortly after his administration discussed traffic restrictions for the city center.
“In that case, I was not hospitalized,” Rapinese said. “I was just hit by a bicycle, but I gathered information, and that led to this measure.”
Under the new ZTL traffic rules, certain vehicles will need an annual permit and must pay a daily 3-euro fee to enter the zone.
Deliveries to shops and restaurants will only be allowed between 06:00 and 23:00, while tourists staying in hotels can ride bicycles into the city center only if their accommodation provides parking facilities.
Unsurprisingly, Rapinese’s ban has faced opposition from residents, as bicycles and electric bikes are a primary mode of transport locally. An online petition campaign has been launched to block the city council’s decision.
The local civic group Civitas Como challenged the legitimacy of the ban, calling it “questionable and wrong,” while the Nova Como association plans a protest cycling event on 12 September to demand the order be reconsidered.
. bbc