Como mayor bans bikes in city centre after being hit ‘by one of these beasts’

Alessandro Rapinese denies accusation he is waging personal vendetta against cyclists amid a public backlash

The mayor of Como set the wheels of controversy in motion for banning bikes in the walled historic centre of the lakeside city after being hit by one.

Alessandro Rapinese’s ban, which comes into force in September, targets about 30 streets and means cyclists, whether it be those on e-bikes or push bikes, will have to dismount or walk their vehicles through those areas.