Overview
- The municipal government has confirmed a ban on all bicycles, including e‑bikes, in about 30 streets of Como’s historic centre that will take effect in September.
- Mayor Alessandro Rapinese says the decision follows a mid‑July collision in which he said he was struck by an e‑bike and that the measure is meant to protect heavy pedestrian flows.
- Officials cite the Italian road‑traffic code, which does not legally distinguish e‑bikes from conventional bikes, as the reason the prohibition covers every type of bicycle.
- The ban is part of a broader traffic package that expands the ZTL restricted‑traffic zone, introduces access permits and a daily fee for vehicles, and proposes tighter delivery hours, reportedly concentrated in a morning window (about 6–11am); cyclists will be required to dismount and push in the affected streets.
- Local groups, political parties and business owners have launched petitions and planned a mid‑September protest ride led by Nova Como, arguing the measure is disproportionate, will hinder couriers and shops, and should be replaced by targeted rules such as speed limits, licensing or selective dismount zones.