Como mayor bans all bicycles after being struck by an e-bike

Alessandro Rapinese, the mayor of the lakeside city of Como, will enforce a prohibition on both electric and traditional bicycles across thirty city streets starting next month. He recounted being hit by a fast-moving e-bike while exiting Palazzo Cernezzi in July, an accident that left him with a bruised arm after a somersault fall. The decree requires cyclists to alight and walk their bicycles on the affected routes, many of which are major arteries used by delivery drivers.

Opponents contend the ban strips residents of a low-cost, green mobility option and could damage local businesses that rely on bike couriers. Nova Como, a civic association, has organized a protest ride scheduled for September 12 to challenge the policy. Despite the backlash, Rapinese, elected in 2022, insists the restriction is justified, likening it to the 2022 ban on electric scooter rentals.