Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Como Mayor Bans Bicycles From Historic Center Starting September 2026

8/21/2026

47 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Mayor Alessandro Rapinese bans bicycles in Como's historic centre effective September 2026.
Rapinese said the ban protects public safety after being hit by an electric bike in June 2026.
Cyclists must dismount on about 30 streets linking the entrance, Piazza San Fedele and the lakefront.
Residents, civic groups and politicians denounced the ban as a personal vendetta and launched a petition.
Cyclists plan a protest ride for mid-September.

History

Historical Context

In 1903 the London Metropolitan Police barred bicycles from the Strand, recalling earlier safety moves when Kent police bought 20 bicycles in 1896 and 129 rural patrols operated by 1904. Over a century later, Como mayor Alessandro Rapinese ordered cyclists to dismount on multiple streets in September 2026 after his own crash, underscoring lasting mobility-safety debates.

1 of 2

Story summary

Mayor Alessandro Rapinese bans bicycles in Como's historic centre effective September 2026.
Rapinese said the ban protects public safety after being hit by an electric bike in June 2026.
Cyclists must dismount on about 30 streets linking the entrance, Piazza San Fedele and the lakefront.
Residents, civic groups and politicians denounced the ban as a personal vendetta and launched a petition.
Cyclists plan a protest ride for mid-September.

1 / 2