Mission

Empowering youth in Haïti through cycling. 

Providing access, education, and opportunities for development - locally and internationally.

Everything starts with this belief: when a young person in Haïti has a bike, a supportive community, and opportunities to grow, their entire world expands and they can dream of a better future.


Founder's Story 

From Brooklyn to Haïti • One Vision Drives Us Forward.

Moved by several tragic events that occurred in short intervals in Haïti in 2021, and how they escalated the needs of the people who had already endured decades of political turbulence and economic disintegration. Handal Alouidor founded Thrive Haïti Inc. in 2022 to bridge opportunity and empowerment through cycling. A Haïtian-American community member and athlete, Handal brings a vision rooted in heritage, joy, and hope. He saw a bigger picture: a youth-focused initiative in Haïti that blends sport, culture, and purpose.

Why We Ride 

Thrive Haïti was created by riders who understand the power of the bike.

As Haïtian cyclists and allies, we know how riding builds confidence, discipline, mental strength, and connection. Those same benefits can open doors for the youth in Haïti - on and off the road.

But riders in Haïti face barriers limiting their potential: lacking essential gear, safe training environments, nutrition, and consistent support - Our aim is to close that gap and create pathways for them to thrive.

We serve as a bridge between the cycling community in the diaspora and riders in Haïti - moving gear, resources, and opportunities to where they can make a real difference to those who need it most.

 

Our Story

It was all a dream - Haïtian Flag Day Ride & Fête celebrates culture through cycling.

Five years later, it has become a tradition that unites riders and supporters from various backgrounds in recognition of the unique symbolism of Haïtian history, and a shared commitment to community.

As the community grew, so did our understanding of how much impact we could have supporting riders and clubs in Haïti who are passionately motivated, but lack the resources that many cyclists take for granted. 

This realization led to the creation of Thrive Haïti Inc. and the Vélo Lakay initiative - a dedicated access pipeline connecting donated equipment from the diaspora to cyclists and clubs across Haïti.

We are expanding our efforts through community rides, century challenges, social gatherings, organized collection events, and more. Every mile of our rides represents a commitment to empower young riders.

 

What We Are Doing

Building an engine to drive the mission forward through three interconnected lanes.

1. Vélo Lakay - Access • Training • Racing

Vélo Lakay is the heart of our mission and the foundation for long-term impact.      

        Through this initiative, we support Haïtian cyclists across three essential pillars:

  • Access to Equipment: Providing quality cycling gear to riders and clubs throughout Haïti.
  • Training & Education: Facilitating rider growth with structured learning and mentorship.
  • Competition & Development: Supporting more consistent competitive experiences.

Together, these elements form the foundation for a sustainable cycling ecosystem where athletes can train safely, improve their performance, and see a real future in the sport.

2. Program Development • Community • Culture

Our activities - Ride & Fête, #CenturiesforHaïti, and community Mixers - are more than gatherings. They are the initial stages of establishing a global network of supporters to fuel the mission for long-term success.

They create visibility and connect supporters, partners, and riders together - setting a strong foundation to build the next chapter: expanding our programs into meaningful and generational impact in Haïti. 

These programs represent our commitment to the mission of cycling being more than just a hobby - but a platform for growth, opportunity, and empowerment.

3. Storytelling • Movement • Community Engagement

Cycling drives our mission forward, but our collective stories connects it all.

Thrive Haïti is developing more ways to share the power of purpose - stories of riders, supporters, partners, and our growing movement - so people can see the impact, feel connected, and inspired to Get Involved.

When our stories are seen, our movement grows - raising our capacity to serve more people.

 

Why Cycling Matters

Cycling is transformative.

        It provides:

  • A healthy, positive outlet
  • Structure and discipline
  • Mental resilience
  • A supportive community
  • A way to express pride in identity and culture

In a country where young people face daily challenges, rising safety and delinquency issues, a bike can be a grounding force - a place to belong, grow, see beyond obstacles and dream of what’s possible in their future.

When we support cyclists in Haïti, we’re not just helping them ride.
We’re helping them unlock confidence, connection, and opportunity.

Where We’re Heading

Thrive Haïti is entering a new chapter of growth.

Building partnerships with cycling brands, bike shops, businesses and organizations. 

Implementing the Vélo Lakay pipeline to support riders & clubs - a foundation for future programs.

Building a calendar that expands our reach through more cultural events, exciting rides, and connections.

Spreading the word about our vision of a sustainable ecosystem where young cyclists in Haïti can train safely, access quality gear, and feel supported by a global community that believes in them.

Join the Movement

Thrive Haïti is a community-powered movement.

  • Riders, supporters, volunteers, partners, and donors all play a role in maintaining the momentum.
  • Whether your time, talent, gear, funds, riding, or brand partnership - all contributions are welcome.

Together, we ride for the next generation of Haitian cyclists.