Como's Bike Ban Splits Lombardy's Tourist Towns

The mayor of Como has banned bicycles from the walled historic centre of the lakeside city after he was struck by one, a decision that has set off a public backlash and reignited a debate over how Lombardy's most visited towns balance resident life against mass tourism.

Alessandro Rapinese, who said the prohibition was for public safety and that he knows what it is like to be hit by one of these beasts, has denied waging a personal vendetta against cyclists. The ban comes into force as the city, a short train ride from Milan, contends with record summer visitor numbers.

The move has drawn criticism from cycling advocates and some residents, who argue the measure punishes a sustainable mode of transport rather than addressing the real pressures of overcrowding. The Guardian reported that the mayor faces a public backlash over the edict.