Italian city banned bicycles after its mayor was hit there
True, in the center of Como.
Photo: Getty Images
In the Italian city of Como, located on the lake of the same name, an e-bike rider once hit the mayor. After that, Alessandro Rapinese called this mode of transport a dangerous "monster" and banned all bicycles in the city center — under the pretext of protecting citizens, writes Bild.
«Of course, my experience influenced me. People act based on their experiences — and I know from my own experience what it means to be hit by such a monster,» the mayor stated.
Since the law does not distinguish between regular bicycles and e-bikes, the ban applies to both types.
Now, cyclists will have to dismount and walk their bicycles through the city center.
In 2022, Rapinese also banned electric scooter rentals. The mayor believes this was the right decision. However, some residents disagree, especially with the new ban.
For example, Vincenzo Falanga, chairman of the cultural association Nova Como, sharply criticizes him in the newspaper La Stampa: «The administration turns individual problems into collective ones».
Nova Como plans a protest bike ride in September — immediately after the ban comes into effect.