George Johnson has a mission: to help Black youth live better lives. He has dedicated his life to that cause, selflessly giving his time, energy, and resources to create opportunities for young people and strengthen his community.
In 2024, the Niagara River Greenway, led by Greg Stevens, recognized that building green infrastructure, waterfront greenspaces, and connected trails only matter if Buffalo’s underserved communities feel connected to and excited about using them. With support from Highmark, Stevens and the Greenway set out to help grassroots community organizations connect their residents to public parks where they could pursue wellness and recreational activities of their choosing.
For George, that opportunity helped bring a longtime dream to life: cleaning up Freedom Park in Buffalo and creating a bicycle ride across the Peace Bridge from Freedom Park Buffalo to Freedom Park in Fort Erie, celebrating the journey of Josiah Henson, who crossed to freedom in 1830. The Greenway opened doors and provided resources and staff support to help make George’s vision a reality.
The Can-Am Freedom Ride was born in October 2024, with 84 riders taking part in the inaugural ride. With strong support from the Peace Bridge Authority and a warm Canadian reception, George led the group across the bridge—tears streaming down his face.
What began as George’s dream has become an annual celebration of freedom, community, wellness, and the connection between two communities on either side of the Niagara River.
The third annual Can-Am Freedom Ride will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Freedom Park in Buffalo, at the foot of West Ferry Street, before riders cross the Peace Bridge to Fort Erie.
GoBike is organizing event registration, and pre-registration is encouraged to help expedite the bridge crossing. Campus Wheelworks will tune up bicycles before the ride with support from Wheels 4 Workers. The Peace Bridge Authority is again welcoming the ride, and recently retired PBA representative Chris Bonn will co-chair this year’s ride with George.
The community is invited to kick off this year’s ride with a Happy Hour from 4–5:30 p.m. Thursday, September 10, at Turning Bridge Tavern, 1797 Niagara Street.
GoBike will be on hand to register riders, and donations will be collected to support the ride.
Come to the kickoff. Ride for freedom. Help carry George’s vision across the Niagara River.