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 the potential for something bigger: 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 help them thrive.
We serve as a bridge between the cycling community in the diaspora and riders in Haïti - moving gear, resources, and opportunities where they can make a real difference.
Our Story
It was all a dream - Haïtian Flag Day Ride & Fête, blends culture, celebration, & cycling.
Five years later, it has become a tradition that unites riders from everywhere in recognition 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 driven, but lack the resources that many cyclists take for granted.
This realization led to the creation of Thrive Haïti Inc. and Vélo Lakay - 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 gathering, organized collection events, and more. Today, our rides tell a story: every mile symbolizes a commitment to helping young riders access the tools they need to grow.
What We Do
Laying a foundation & driving the mission forward through three interconnected lanes.
1. Vélo Lakay - Access • Training • Racing
Vélo Lakay is the heart of our mission and the core of our 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 events - Ride & Fête, #CenturiesforHaïti, and community Mixers - are more than gatherings. They are the first phase of building a global community around the mission.
They create visibility, unite supporters, partners, and riders together - setting the foundation for the next chapter: expanding into meaningful programs for long-term 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 stories of riders, supporters, partners, and our growing movement - so people can see the impact, feel connected, and join the mission.
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 and delinquency issues, a bike can be a grounding force - a place to belong, grow, see beyond obstacles and believe in what’s possible.
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 and lay the foundation for future programs in Haïti.
- Building a ride calendar that expands our reach through more community events, century rides, and cultural celebrations.
Our vision is 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 this momentum.
- Whether you give gear, offer support, ride with us, collaborate as a brand, or share your time and talent - there is space for you here.
Together, we ride for the next generation of Haitian cyclists.