Como Mayor bans cycling on city streets after being hit by e-bike

The mayor of Como, Italy, Alessandro Rapinese, has imposed a sweeping ban on cycling, including electric bicycles, on 30 central streets in the city. The dramatic decision, which will take effect next month, comes after Rapinese himself was hit by an electric bicycle while leaving work. The move has sparked a storm and sharp public criticism among the city's residents.

Rapinese, 50, admitted that the personal incident influenced his decision.

"They accused me of adopting the measure because I was hit by an electric bicycle — and certainly, that was the case, — he told the Italian news agency ANSA. — People act based on their experiences, and I know what it is like to be run over by these beasts. What if it had been a child or an elderly woman instead of me?"

The mayor recounted the shocking incident that occurred in July, when he was leaving the city hall building in the rain. He heard a sudden whistle, and an electric bicycle traveling at speed hit him and knocked him down. Rapinese performed a "360-degree flip" and fell, suffering bruises and cuts on his arm. The new decree requires cyclists to get off their bikes and walk on the specified streets.

Critics of the decision argue that the ban deprives residents of a cheap and environmentally friendly means of transport, and that it will also harm local businesses that rely on couriers. A local civic organization called "Nova Como" has already organized a bicycle protest towards the city hall building. However, Rapinese, who was elected in 2022, stands his ground: "We are convinced that this is the right decision," he said.