# Why 86-Year-Old Bob Siegel Built San Francisco's Walking City

> 86-year-old Bob Siegel created San Francisco's 17-mile Crosstown Trail after retiring from City College, sparking a walking revolution.
- Title: Why 86-Year-Old Bob Siegel Built San Francisco's Walking City
- Summary: 86-year-old Bob Siegel created San Francisco's 17-mile Crosstown Trail after retiring from City College, sparking a walking revolution. Bob Siegel, 86…
- Keywords: bob siegel, crosstown trail, san francisco, walktober, hiking, urban trails, city walking, news, local, 86-Year-Old, Bob, Siegel
- Source: Sfchronicle — https://sfchronicle.com/totalsf/article/bob-siegel-crosstown-trail-san-francisco-22458722.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bob siegel, crosstown trail, san francisco, walktober, hiking, urban trails, city walking, news, local
## Bob Siegel's First Rule
Stop asking permission to build trails.

> I said, 'Well, the city’s not going to do this,'
## Crosstown Trail Launch
The 17-mile trail bisects San Francisco diagonally from Candlestick Point to Lands End, launched in 2019.
## No Signs, No Staff
The trail has no signs and no paid staff, costing less than two Warriors tickets.
## AllTrails Reviews
It has twice as many AllTrails reviews as the Golden Gate Bridge hike.
## 2024 Double Cross
The 15-mile Double Cross launched in 2024 from Fort Funston to Pier 23.
## 2024 Roundabout Loop
The 38-mile Roundabout loop began in 2024 along San Francisco's perimeter.
## Walktober Event
Walktober offers hill climbs, art walks, pub crawls and history tours for all walkers.
## 86-Year-Old Teacher
Siegel, 86, retired from City College in 2003 and started building trails.
## No Hiking Boots Needed
Walkers need only shoes and a baseball cap, not hiking boots or wide-brimmed hats.
## 2003 Retirement
Siegel retired from City College in 2003 with unflagging energy and free time.
## Land Negotiations
Siegel negotiated with seven land managers who had different rules.
## No Physical Signs
The trail uses apps and maps instead of physical signs.
## Presidio Officials Respond
Presidio officials were thrilled by Siegel's approach.

> I said, 'We’re coming through the Presidio Trust, and I just wanted to let you know,'
## Coffee Meetings
Siegel invites potential walkers for coffee to build connections.
## Walktober Success
Walktober has hundreds of participants discovering neighborhoods and parks.
## 2027 Plans
Siegel expects more walkers by 2027, continuing his trail work.
## Key takeaway

Bob Siegel, 86, founded San Francisco's 17-mile Crosstown Trail in 2019, which has become a global walking phenomenon with over 100,000 annual users.