Como Mayor Bans All Bikes in Historic Center After Personal Collision

Key points

• Alessandro Rapinese, mayor of Como, banned all bicycles, including e-bikes and traditional push bikes, from the walled historical center starting in September 2026.
• The ban covers approximately 30 streets, forcing cyclists to dismount and walk through these areas.
• Rapinese admitted the policy was triggered by a collision he experienced in June while leaving city hall, describing the vehicle as a 'beast' that split his spine and body.
• Critics, including local politicians and civic groups, argue the ban is a disproportionate personal vendetta that excludes low-cost, environmentally friendly transport options.
• The measure disproportionately impacts delivery riders and shop owners who rely on them for supplies, with some streets affected being among the widest in the center.
• Protesters from the civic group Nova Como plan to ride through the banned streets in mid-September to challenge the rule.

Background

This development follows a broader trend of micromobility regulation in Europe and North America. In August 2026, New York City accelerated e-bike regulations following a fatal crash, with Mayor Mamdani and Council Speaker Menin pushing for stricter rules on high-speed models and street design. Similarly, Como had previously banned rented e-scooters in its center in 2022. The current ban in Como reflects a growing tension between urban safety concerns and the accessibility of sustainable transport modes, particularly in tourist-heavy areas.

Why it matters

The ban highlights the conflict between individual political experiences and collective urban policy. By restricting all bicycles in a historic center, the city risks alienating residents and workers who depend on cycling for mobility and commerce. The controversy underscores the challenges of balancing pedestrian safety with sustainable transport in dense, tourist-heavy European cities, potentially setting a precedent for other municipalities facing similar micromobility safety issues.

What to watch

Cyclists are scheduled to protest by riding through the banned streets in mid-September 2026. The effectiveness of the ban and potential legal or political challenges will depend on the outcome of these protests and whether Rapinese maintains his stance or revises the policy in response to public backlash.