Cyclists cross Peace Bridge Saturday for CanAm Freedom Ride
October 5, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Cyclists from both sides of the border gathered Saturday for the second annual CanAm Freedom Ride, crossing the Peace Bridge to commemorate the Underground Railroad and celebrate Canadian-American friendship.
The ride began at Freedom Park in Buffalo, N.Y., and stopped at Freedom Park in Fort Erie, before continuing along the Niagara Parkway to Waverly Beach.
The 14-kilometre route concluded back in Buffalo.
Niagara Parks Commission chair Bob Gale welcomes cyclists to Freedom Park on Saturday morning. Credit: Bob Gale | FacebookAt the first stop in Fort Erie, Niagara Parks Commission chair Bob Gale welcomed participants, describing the location as an important part of the region’s heritage.
Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop spoke next.
“We are here today to commemorate the escape of slaves to freedom…people who were enslaved, who were seeking a better life, who were seeking liberty and who were seeking safety in Canada,” the mayor told the crowd.
Representing the Rotary Club of Fort Erie, Kathy Klune noted the community effort behind the event.
“We want to ensure that the story of the Underground Railroad is never forgotten,” said Klune.
In an earlier email to Fort Erie Radio, Klune described the ride as “a great celebration of Canadian and American friendship.”
Lezlie Harper of Niagara Bound Tours stands at Freedom Park with Niagara Parks Commission chair Bob Gale. Credit: Bob Gale | FacebookLocal historian and Niagara Bound Tours operator Lezlie Harper addressed participants twice during the ride.
At Freedom Park, Harper reflected on the legacy of the Underground Railroad, and at Waverly Beach she explained the significance of the location to the Niagara Movement of 1905, when W.E.B. Du Bois and others met in Fort Erie.
That meeting would eventually lead to the formation of the NAACP.
“I’m really proud that the Civil Rights movement started here in Canada,” she told the gathered cyclists.
The event was supported locally by the Rotary Club of Fort Erie, which provided refreshments, along with Little Red Coffee. McCooey’s Cycle and Sport was also on site to assist cyclists with equipment needs.
There were about 170 cyclists registered to participate, according to organizers, and the event was made possible through coordination with the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority.
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About The Author
Brenda Tyrrell
Co-host of 'Mornings with Jones & Tyrrell' at Fort Erie Radio; proud supporter of Royal Canadian Legion Br. 71. Loves coffee, raccoons, and avoiding hugs.
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