Mayor of Como bans bicycles in the center after being hit by an e-bike

Alessandro Rapinese, the mayor of the Italian city of Como, has banned bicycle traffic on about 30 streets in the historic center after he himself was hit by an electric bicycle.

According to The Guardian, the new rules will take effect in September. Cyclists — both on ordinary bicycles and on e-bikes — will have to dismount and cross the restricted sections on foot.

The incident involving the mayor occurred in June, as he was leaving the city administration building. Rapinese stated that the decision was linked to the need to ensure the safety of pedestrians in the city center, which is very popular with tourists.

At the same time, the decision drew criticism from residents, politicians, and cycling activists. The mayor was accused of taking personal revenge on cyclists. A petition against the ban has been launched in the city, and a protest is planned for September.

Rapinese himself admitted that the incident he experienced influenced his decision: “People act on the basis of their own experience, and I know what it means to be hit by one of these beasts.” At the same time, the mayor stated that he does not intend to lift the ban.