John Boesel, President and CEO of Pasadena-based CALSTART has a vision and virtually all of what CALSTART employees do on a daily basis works towards that vision. “In 2021, I hope we will be using half of the oil we use today,” says Boesel. The reason is simple and clear.  “On an annual basis, before the most recent price spike, the U.S. was spending about $300 billion to import oil,” Boesel adds, “It would be much better for our economy if our transportation dollars were spent in the United States to produce cleaner transportation options that have a much more positive environmental impact.”
 
One of the many programs CALSTART is working on to address Boesel’s goal is The Fold-n-Go Pasadena Project, which will be launched this fall. Through this program, Pasadena residents are offered a discounted price on folding bicycles. Imagine biking to a rail or bus station, folding up your bike and tucking it under your seat, then unfolding it and riding to your destination.
 
“The goal is simple – to switch transit connection vehicles from cars to bicycles,” says Whitney Pitkanen, Program Manager with CALSTART, “and the benefits are many – reduced congestion, improved air quality and improved health of participants.”
 
It is hoped that the project will be replicated across the United States. 

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