Como Mayor Bans Cyclists from Historic City Centre After Being Hit

Alessandro Rapinese, the mayor of Como in northern Italy, has banned bicycles, scooters and other wheeled vehicles from the city's historic centre after being struck by a cyclist while walking in the area last month. The mayor announced the prohibition with colourful language, calling cyclists beasts.

A Personal Incident Drives City Policy

Rapinese said the collision last month, which occurred in the historic district, demonstrated the urgent need to protect pedestrians in the tourism-heavy area. Como attracts large numbers of visitors year-round to its picturesque lakeside setting, and the narrow streets of the old town can become dangerously crowded during peak season.

The mayor stated the ban applies to the historic city centre and aims to restore safe and orderly movement for pedestrians and visitors on foot. Enforcement details and the formal legal timeline have not yet been confirmed by the city administration.

Cycling Advocates Push Back

The announcement has drawn criticism from cycling advocates and urban mobility experts, who argue that banning bicycles is a disproportionate response and risks worsening congestion in surrounding streets. Critics suggest that designated cycling lanes, clear signage and speed limits within the historic centre would be a more measured and effective approach to pedestrian safety.

Several other Italian cities have implemented similar restrictions in historic zones in recent years, reflecting broader tensions across Europe about how to balance cycling infrastructure with pedestrian safety in densely populated heritage areas.