“I know what it feels like”: Como mayor bans bicycles after being hit by one

The Italian city of Como, one of the main tourist destinations in northern Italy, has banned cycling in much of its historic center. The measure comes after its mayor, Alessandro Rapinese, was recently hit by an electric bicycle, an episode that he himself acknowledges has influenced the decision.

The Italian city of Como bans bicycles in the center and its mayor admits that his accident influenced it

The new regulation affects about 30 streets and squares in the historic center. In these areas, users of conventional and electric bicycles will have to dismount and continue on foot, carrying their bike by hand.

The measure has generated considerable controversy because it affects all types of bicycles and users equally. According to the local media La Provincia di Como, part of the criticism points out that action should be taken against those who ride at dangerous speeds instead of banning bicycles in general.

The controversy is even greater because the mayor of Como was hit by a bicycle when leaving the Palazzo Cernezzi. Rapinese has openly acknowledged that that experience influenced his stance.

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"I have been accused of adopting this measure because I was hit by an electric bicycle; it is certainly true. People act based on their own experiences, and I know what it feels like to be hit by one of these beasts", he explained.

The mayor denies, however, that it is a personal vendetta and insists that the goal is to improve pedestrian safety. "The safety of pedestrians is our priority," declared Rapinese, according to La Provincia di Como.

The decision has also received criticism from Legambiente Como, which has called it "absurd." The organization believes that the problems caused by some users of electric bicycles or delivery riders who ride too fast do not justify a ban for all cyclists, according to EspansioneTV.

Opposition will also take to the streets. Nova Como has called for a cycling march on September 12 that will end in front of the Town Hall to protest against the ban, according to La Provincia di Como.