Como's bike ban: a blunt answer to a modern problem

The mayor of Como, Alessandro Rapinese, has banned bicycles from the lakeside city's walled historical centre after he was struck by an electric bike, according to the BBC and the Guardian. Rapinese said the prohibition was for public safety, adding that he knows "what it's like to be hit by one of these beasts."

The ban, which comes into force this week, has prompted a public backlash. Critics accuse the mayor of waging a personal vendetta against cyclists, a charge Rapinese denies. The decision highlights the growing tension in Italian cities between preserving historic streets and accommodating modern forms of transport.

For Piemonte's capital, Turin, the episode offers a cautionary tale. The city has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure and pedestrian zones, but the Como controversy underscores the challenges of balancing mobility with the protection of fragile urban heritage.

The Guardian reported that Rapinese's ban applies to the walled historical centre of Como, a UNESCO-adjacent area of narrow cobbled streets and medieval architecture. The mayor, who was hit by an e-bike, has framed the measure as a necessary response to a genuine safety hazard. "I know what it's like to be hit by one of these beasts," he told reporters, according to the BBC.

The decision has not gone unchallenged. Local cycling groups and some residents argue the ban penalises a sustainable mode of transport for the actions of a few reckless riders. They point to the growing popularity of e-bikes, particularly among tourists and older residents, as a reason to regulate rather than prohibit. The mayor has rejected suggestions that the move is personal, insisting it is about public safety.

The controversy arrives as Italian cities grapple with the consequences of mass tourism and climate change. Como, like many lake and hill towns, sees its narrow streets overwhelmed by visitors in the summer months. The ban is the latest in a series of measures across Italy aimed at managing crowds and protecting historic centres, from Rome's night-time opening of tourist sites to Venice's access fees.

For Turin, the episode resonates. The city has been a pioneer in urban cycling, with a growing network of bike lanes and a popular bike-sharing scheme. But it also faces the challenge of integrating cyclists with pedestrians in its baroque centre. The Como ban, while geographically distant, serves as a reminder of the political and practical difficulties of such policies. The Guardian noted that the backlash against Rapinese has been fierce, with some labelling the measure an overreaction.

The long-term implications for Como remain unclear. The ban is set to be reviewed, and the mayor has signalled a willingness to adjust the rules if safety concerns can be addressed. For now, the lakeside city has become the latest flashpoint in Italy's ongoing debate about the future of its urban centres.