June 03, 2025.  

Dedication of ABC-DEM to the Nation on the occasion of World Bicycle Day 2025

With India’s GDP growth of 7.4% in the quarter ended March 2025 and full-year growth for FY25 to a robust 6.5%, India is heading to overtake Japan by the end of 2025-26 to claim the tag of the 4th largest economy after the US, China and Germany. Unfortunately, associated with this GDP growth, is a dangerous impact on Biodiversity and Climate Change. Take for instance, the  growing trend to purchase and opt for private two wheelers and four wheelers  for personal transport. To reverse this trend  and re-introduce bicycles back in India, 'Center for Apparent Energy Research', the R&D wing of Baroda Electric Meters (BEM) Limited, has conceptualized an idea that it has termed,  the 'Anand Bicycling Co-operative Development & Engineering Model/ Movement' (ABC-DEM). The ABC-DE Model/ Movement has the potential to ignite a nation-wide revolution that will see its citizens  proudly riding bicycles and using public transport instead of their own private two wheelers and four wheelers. 

The ABC-DEM is model based on the 'Green Modal Priority Concept' that  focuses on prioritizing environmentally friendly modes of transportation to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation systems and promote sustainable mobility. It involves a modal shift - shifting away from high-emission modes like individual (private) cars that rely heavily on fossil fuels, to lower-emission more sustainable options like public transport, rail, and cycling. 

On 03rd June 2025, the World Bicycle Day 2025,  the ABCDE Model/ Movement is informally dedicated to the Nation from  the city of Anand - known as the milk capital of India, by the Hon'ble Municipal Commissioner of Anand Municipal Corporation Shri Milind Bapna IAS, the Hon'ble Anand Collector Shri. Praveen Chaudhary  IAS, the District Development Officer (DDO) Devahuti Madam I.A.S.,  and the local MLA - Shri Yogeshbhai Patel. 

It all began with the successful development of well engineered solar bicycles for the 1st time world-wide by BEM in the year 2022. BEM holds a couple of patents on the solar bicycle and has also been a recipient of the ISGF (India Smart Grid Forum) award in the year 2023 for the 'Worldwide 1st Solar Bicycle Rollout - a disruptive innovation in Electric Mobility'.  Students of local engineering colleges were also encouraged to  participate in the development of solar bicycles which has also caught the attention of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Gujarat - Shri. Bhupendrabhai Patel. 

However, time was running out. BEM noticed that India is fast heading towards a failed 'American Dream' private car model. Today, India has started experiencing the same problems that America faced 50 years back, some of which are traffic congestion, parked cars occupying spaces meant better quality of life such as parks & playgrounds,  high mortality rates, amongst many others. Electric Cars are not an answer to these problems. When it comes to carbon emissions - the lighter the vehicle the lesser the emissions. (It should be noted that carbon emissions get associated with a product right from the mining and manufacturing stages and not from the date of purchase or use) When it comes to physical footprints in parking spaces, the smaller the area, the better the quality of life.  A bicycle beats electric cars by a factor of 20.  

There is only one model that has emerged successful over the same 50 years. We call it 'the Netherlands' model which is a  green modal priority concept that focuses on prioritizing environmentally friendly modes of transportation to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation systems and promote sustainable mobility. It involves shifting away from high-emission modes like individual private cars to more sustainable options like public transport, rail, and bicycling.

BEM wrote  a letter to the National Council for Climate Change and Sustainable Development (NCCSD) in September 2024, for support in accommodating bicycle lanes in the Town Planning Schemes of Municipalities to mitigate Climate Change. As a result Dr. Kirit Shelat I.A.S, Executive Chairman, NCCSD wrote to Dr. Sanjeev Kumar I.A.S., Principal Secretary, Climate Change Department, Govt. of Gujarat, to help promote the 'Bicycle Culture' in Gujarat.

We believe that this could be one of the reasons that Anand Municipal Corporation has earmarked Rs. 25 Crores for development of bicycle tracks. Though the planning is on the initial stages, some believe that either the prestigious Rajmarg road connecting Lambhvel town to Gana town or the Anand - Sojitra road which connects Anand to Vidyanagar GIDC could be chosen.  

Unlike various other bicycle share models, the ABC-DEM focuses on bicycle repair shops. According to Dr. Kamat, Managing Director of BEM, with all Indian adults seeking a 'status symbol' and getting attracted to the 'American Dream', in India, the 'status' of bicycles has been reduced to 'a poor man's transport'. As a result we find the bicycle manufacturers mainly catering to the children's bicycling needs. With the population of adult bicycles fast dwindling, the number of bicycle repair shops that were once seen on every road corner, are fast vanishing. The ABC-DEM Model aims to involve the bicycle repair shops at the heart of the revolution. The solar bicycle rental program will offer a second source of income that will assist and strengthen their primary activity of bicycle repairs.  BEM has agreed to offer 10 solar bicycles costing Rs. 3 lakhs for the bicycle rental pilot programme. 

The ABC-DEM model launch has come at a time when the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced plans to dismantle a 9 kilometer long bicycle track in the prestigious Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) costing ₹60 crore and converting it into an additional vehicular lane at an extra cost of ₹25 crore. The reason attributed is the recent closure of the Sion bridge that has diverted a significant volume of vehicles through the BKC's internal roads. The bicycle tracks have remained largely underutilized. Critics, including cycling advocates and urban planners, have attributed this to poor alignment, lack of connectivity, and inadequate maintenance. While the repurposing of cycle tracks aims to provide immediate relief from traffic congestion, it has sparked debates about sustainable urban planning and the importance of non-motorized transport infrastructure. Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive planning that balances the demands of vehicular traffic with the promotion of eco-friendly and equitable transportation options.

The Sion bridge closure is temporary and is expected to become open to traffic by August 2026. The traffic would no longer be diverted to the Bandra-Kurla Link Road then. The key question that arises is : Will MMRDA consider reconstructing the Bicycle Track after August 2026?

The bicycling enthusiasts attribute the following reasons for the failure of MMRDA's  BKC Bicycle Project: Under-utilization of the track due to (a) Lack of connection with nearby railway stations, (b) Inadequate public bike sharing services - a key link for last mile connectivity, (c) Limited awareness and incentives in the business district, (d) Increased traffic due to diversion of traffic after Sion bridge closure, (e) Growing number of private vehicles, (f) Change in people's mindset - bicycling is now seen as a poor man's transport and not a lifestyle choice.
On the other hand, the requirements of a successful  bicycle project implementation: (a) Good planning, (b) Seamless connectivity, (c) Dense network of bicycle trails, lanes, bicycle friendly roads and bicycle dirt roads, (d) Public awareness, (e) Community engagement, (f) Traffic management, (g) Supportive amenities, (h) Regular maintenance, (i) Safe infrastructure, (j) Bicycle to work schemes, (k) Incentives and tax benefits, and (l) Parking spaces and other bicycling infrastructure.

Earlier, in 1964, Mumbai had, unfortunately, dismantled trams. That, too, had played a significant role in arresting the development of sustainable modes of transport in India by over 60 years. History should not repeat in the year 2025. Hence, a lot of efforts are taken to ensure that the ABC-DEM does not fail. This means looking at all aspects such as development of energy frugal micro-transport vehicles such as bicycles, tricycles and quadricycles and startups working on sustainable transport. Closely studying the problems being faced by the bicyclists in Anand, such as weather and climate, and incorporating solutions such as solar bicycles that can make the transition from private cars to bicycles an easy one.  In Phase 2, ABC-DEM plans on working towards the re-introduction of trams in some of the metro cities of India.  

Backdrop

Sustainable Mobility Trend: With the growing consciousness about environment and sustainability, world-wide, there is a major shift happening in the mobility sector. The governments and municipalities in mostly all countries around the world  are moving from the 'American Dream' Private Car Model to the Netherlands' Multimodal Transport (Public Trains, Trams, and Buses) and Bicycle Model.  Every town or city municipal body is observed to be taking pride in announcing the number of kilometers of bicycle tracks added in the new financial year. 

With bicycle lanes in New York City or bicycle coaches in the CalTrain called 'Bike Cars' in San Franciso, California, it may appear that in the USA too, we are observing the much desired shift away from 'Private Cars'. But this is not true. Let us compare the differences between bicycle lanes in  two cities Eindhoven in the Netherlands and Washington DC, in the USA. 

To understand the differences between Eindhoven and Washington DC, let us have a look at Google Maps. Google Maps offers a 'biking' layer that segregates bicycle routes into four different categories depending on the degree of 'bicycle friendliness'. Solid green lines for paved bicycle trails, solid black lines for dedicated bicycle lanes, dotted green lines for bicycle friendly roads, and dashed green lines for dirt or unpaved bicycle trails.  Solid green and solid black line routes are the safest for bicycling. Environmental friendly cities and countries can be identified by visualizing the density of such lines.  For comparison, we display below the biking layer (courtesy Google) for three different cities: Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Washington DC in the USA, and Gandhinagar in Gujarat, India. 

On careful study, one can observe that the bicycle friendly lanes in Washington DC,  far out weigh the dedicated trails. Yet, the citizens of the US are observed to pedal, usually, only for leisure and pleasure on the dedicated trail. On the other hand, in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, citizens pedal to work, school or for grocery shopping.  

For bicycling to become a success in India, we need its citizens to follow the Multimodal Transport Model, simply by replicating the  Netherlands and making the ride to work or school a pleasurable and memorable activity and a way of life. For all personal transport needs to distances of 8 kilometers or less, a bicycle is best suited.  

Modal Priority in Transportation 

Modal priority in transportation refers to prioritizing one or more modes of transportation (like walking, cycling, transit, or freight) over others when designing or operating transportation systems. This means allocating space, resources, and policies to make these modes more attractive and convenient for travelers. 

Purpose: Modal priority aims to improve the transportation system by making it more efficient, sustainable, and equitable. 

Examples:

Walking and cycling: Prioritizing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, such as protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and pedestrian-friendly street designs. 

Transit: Implementing bus rapid transit, dedicating transit-only lanes, and improving the frequency and reliability of public transportation. 

Freight: Prioritizing routes and facilities for the efficient movement of goods, such as truck-only lanes or dedicated freight hubs. 

How it works:

Design: Streets are designed with specific modes in mind, often with designated lanes or priority crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. 

Operations: Traffic signal timing and other operational strategies can be adjusted to favor certain modes, like giving transit buses preferential treatment at intersections. 

Policy: Policies can be implemented to encourage modal shifts, such as tax incentives for using public transportation or stricter regulations on car emissions. 

Benefits:

• Increased use of alternative modes of transportation, leading to reduced traffic congestion, lower emissions, and improved public health. 

• Enhanced accessibility and equity for people who may not be able to drive, such as seniors, children, and those with disabilities. 

• Improved traffic flow and reduced travel times for all modes of transportation. 

Considerations:

Equity: Ensuring that modal priority does not disproportionately impact certain groups, such as low-income individuals who may rely on driving. 

Feasibility: Balancing the needs of different modes and ensuring that the system is practical and efficient for everyone. 

Community engagement: Involving residents and stakeholders in the planning and implementation of modal priority strategies. 

What is Green Modal Priority? Key Aspects :

Modal Shift: Shifting from high-emission modes to lower-emission options like rail and public transport. It involves shifting away from modes that rely heavily on fossil fuels, such as individual (private) cars, towards more sustainable alternatives like public transport, rail, and cycling. 

Focus on Sustainability: Green modal priority aims to make transportation systems more environmentally friendly by prioritizing modes with lower emissions and energy consumption. Utilizing technologies and practices that minimize environmental harm during transportation, such as electric vehicles and efficient routing. 

Reducing Emissions: By promoting modal shift, green modal priority helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system. 

Policy and Incentives: Implementing policies and incentives to encourage modal shift, such as taxes on emissions, regulations on emission standards, and infrastructure investments. 

Collaboration and Partnerships: Working with stakeholders like transport providers and shippers to develop and implement modal shift strategies. 

Green Logistics: Reducing environmental impacts throughout the entire supply chain, including transportation. 

Key Concepts and Examples:

Prioritizing Public Transport: This includes investing in and improving public transport systems, such as buses, trains, and subways, to make them more attractive and accessible. 

Promoting Active Transportation: Encouraging cycling and walking through the creation of dedicated bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and other measures. 

Intermodal Transport: Integrating different modes of transport to create a seamless and efficient travel experience. 

Green Logistics: Applying green principles to the logistics and supply chain, including the use of sustainable transportation for goods movement. 

Benefits of the green modal priority concept:

Reduced Emissions: Lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. 

Reduced Environmental Impact: Minimizes air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental hazards associated with transportation. 

Improved Public Health: Reduces exposure to air pollutants and promotes physical activity,  leading to better public health outcomes. 

Reduced Congestion: Shifting away from individual cars can alleviate traffic congestion. 

Increased Sustainability: Contributes to a more sustainable and resilient transportation system. 

Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity: Optimizes the use of different transportation modes and streamlines supply chains. 

Economic Benefits: Creates new green jobs in the sustainable transportation sector, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, reduces transportation costs and promotes innovation in sustainable technologies. 

Increased Social Equity: Improves accessibility to sustainable transport options, particularly for low-income communities. 

Examples of green modal priority in action:

Green corridors: Creating dedicated routes for public transport or freight, often with lower-emission vehicles or technologies. 

Inland terminals: Establishing facilities where goods can be transferred between different modes of transport, such as rail and truck, to reduce road traffic. 

Pricing mechanisms: Using pricing models, like congestion pricing or emissions taxes, to encourage modal shift. 

Incentives for low-emission vehicles: Providing financial incentives or tax breaks for businesses and individuals to adopt electric vehicles or other low-emission vehicles. 

Multimodality in Transportation, the Green Hierarchy and their Impact

Even New York  has bowed down to the Netherland's Multimodal Transit Model

Once upon a time, New York and other cities in the USA, were taking pride in the so called 'American Dream' - Private Car Model with major car manufacturers such as General Motors (GM), and major oil companies supporting them. They were also responsible for influencing other countries with their American Dream model over the past 50 years. 

Today, even the USA have  accepted the defeat of its American Dream Model and have bowed down to the Netherlands' Multimodal - Public Transit or  Trams, Buses and Bicycles Model.  

Take a clue from the glimpses of one of their major cities - New York City below: