The mayor of the Italian city of Como has banned bicycles on approximately 30 roads within the historic centre after he was run down by an electric bicycle. Alessandro Rapinese said the measure was needed to improve public safety.
Ban Takes Effect in September
From September, cyclists will be required to dismount and walk their bikes through an area covering around 30 streets. Rapinese told Italian news agency Ansa: "People act based on their own experiences and I know what it's like to be hit by one of these beasts."
Under the new rules, cyclists will still be allowed to enter the affected streets, but they will be required to dismount and walk their bikes through the restricted areas. Mayor Rapinese said his personal experience showed him how hazardous fast moving bicycles can be for a crowd of tourists.
Part of Wider Traffic Measures
Rapinese's proposal forms part of a wider package of traffic measures aimed at managing growing tourist numbers. The plans include the creation of a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) and tighter regulations for cars and vans in the city centre. Many of the streets affected by the ban are among the widest in the old town and are frequently used by delivery drivers.
The restrictions will apply to both electric and conventional bicycles, as Italian highway laws do not distinguish between the two.
Mayor Details Incident
Mr Rapinese outlined the reasoning behind the move in a video posted as part of his self-produced online series, RapiNews24. In the video, he recalled an incident in July when, after leaving city hall, he collided with an e-bike shortly after his administration had been discussing traffic restrictions in the city centre. He said: "In this case, I didn't even end up in the hospital. I was hit by a bike. I gathered information, and that's where the measure came from."
The identity of the cyclist involved has not been disclosed. Civitas Como, a local citizens group, has challenged the legitimacy of the ban, describing it as "questionable and erroneous".
