The mayor of Como has implemented a cycling ban in portions of the historic Italian city’s center, effective from September onward. Alessandro Rapinese announced the measure would apply to roughly 30 streets in the old town, requiring cyclists to dismount and walk their bicycles rather than ride them. The ban covers both electric and pedal-powered bicycles, as Italy’s highway code does not differentiate between the two vehicle types.
Rapinese attributed the decision to a personal incident in July when he was struck by an electric bicycle while exiting city hall. He described the experience as motivating the new traffic restrictions and stated the measure was necessary to enhance public safety. The mayor detailed his reasoning in a video produced for his online series, noting that he gathered information following the collision before proposing the regulatory change.
The bicycle restrictions form part of a broader traffic management initiative establishing a Limited Traffic Zone to address tourism growth and implement stricter regulations on cars and vans throughout the city center. Additional measures include requirements for annual vehicle permits and daily €3 entry fees, while delivery services face restricted operating hours between 06:00 and 23:00. Tourists may only drive into the center if their hotels provide parking facilities.
The ban has generated significant opposition from residents. A local citizens group called Civitas Como has challenged the measure’s legitimacy, characterizing it as “questionable and erroneous.” The Nova Como association has organized a protest bicycle ride scheduled for 12 September. Additionally, an online petition has been launched seeking to block the resolution.
Other European cities have similarly restricted bicycle use. Palermo implemented bicycle restrictions on certain main streets starting in 2023, while Paris recently strengthened e-scooter safety requirements after banning rental e-scooters in 2023. These broader regulatory trends reflect growing efforts across European municipalities to manage micro-mobility devices in congested urban areas.
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