Vision

Empowering youth in Haïti through cycling -

by expanding access, building skills, and opening doors in ways that last.

We don’t just see bikes and smiles. We see a whole ecosystem around them: young riders with the right gear, mentors who believe in them, safe places to train, real competition and growth opportunities. 

Our vision is to help establish that ecosystem and nurture it thrive across Haïti.

3-5 Years • 4 Pillars For A Strong & Reliable Base

Initial focus is on turning today’s momentum into a stable system for riders and partners.

1. A dependable Vélo Lakay pipeline

        We envision Vélo Lakay operating as a steady, predictable flow of support:

• Regular collection drives and partner drop-off points
• Scheduled shipments that riders and clubs can plan around
• Simple, transparent systems for tracking where gear goes

Consistent and well-organized support can improve access to education, health services, and opportunity in low-resource settings. We’re adapting that logic to the Haïtian cycling context.

2. Early programs that serve as “proof of concept”

        Within 3-5 years, we aim to see:

• Pilot youth cycling camps in at least one or two regions
• Training days or clinics that focus on skills, tactics, safety, and confidence to go further
• First waves of competition support (helping riders get to events, race-ready gear for clubs)
• Initial educational support, small scholarships tied to participation and commitment

Small pilots can still be meaningful - but should be efficient, documented, and repeatable.

3. Deeper partnership network

        In the short term, Thrive Haïti is working toward:

• Core bike shops and brand partners who see us as part of their long-term social impact
• Collaborating with Haïtian community groups for locally grounded initiatives
• Joining with schools, youth and health-focused groups, linking cycling to overall well-being

Youth nonprofits worldwide have proven that pairing gear and programs with intentional partnerships sustains and grows their work over many years.

4. Clear stories, early outcomes, & purpose

        Within this 3-5 year window, we also aim to:

• Track simple, meaningful outcomes - like riders served, clubs supported, and youth engaged
• Capture stories of riders whose lives are being shaped by the support they receive
• Ethically share those stories with stakeholders to demonstrate impact, not just describe it
• Feature cyclists sharing their riding motivations and connecting with the global cycling community.

These early outcomes become the foundation for more ambitious long-term goals.

10-20 Years • 3 Keys For Generational Impact

A self-sustaining cycling culture and infrastructure making meaningful impact in Haïti.

1. A network of Haïtian-led cycling hubs

        Over 10-20 years, Thrive Haïti imagines:

• Local cycling hubs and clubs in multiple cities with stable leadership and consistent support
• Alumni riders from our earlier programs returning to give back as coaches, mentors, and mechanics 
• A network of clubs hosting events, camps, and outreach with Thrive Haïti as partner, not driver.

2. Integrated pathways for youth

In the long term, we want cycling to be a pathway, not a side activity.

        That could look like:

• Young athletes from local clubs advancing to higher level training and competing internationally
• Riders pursuing education, leadership, and employment through cycling involvement like coaching, mechanics, event organizing, or community work
• Partnerships with schools or youth-serving organizations that see cycling as part of their approach to health, resilience, and leadership development

Sports-based youth development programs have shown that linking physical activity with education, mentoring, and real pathways after high school - yields better outcomes in both life skills and long-term opportunities. Cycling can mirror this in the Haïtian context.

3. Cycling as a respected part of community life

        Twenty years from now, Thrive Haïti envisions:

• Cycling being widely recognized in Haïti as a positive, aspirational activity for youth
• Haïtian culture and cycling events draw local crowds, gaining regional and global attention
• Enhanced connection and representation for Haitian riders and global cycling community 

In this future, we are still present, but as part of a larger web of Haïtian-led initiatives, partners, clubs, and institutions using cycling as a tool for community development.

Your Role in This Vision

No single organization can create this kind of future alone.

Riders, donors, bike shops, brands, Haïtian community leaders, volunteers, and advisors - all have a part in this story. When you support Thrive Haïti, you’re not just backing one project or event. You’re helping blaze the trails to a new future for young cyclists in Haïti - one with more pathways to succeed on and off the bike.

        A future where:

• Bikes are a catalyst for growth and opportunity for individuals and communities
• Young people are seen, supported, and equipped with more tools to build their future
• The next generation of Haïtian riders has the space, and the support, to truly thrive

That is the vision we’re pedaling toward.

And we’re inviting you to ride with us.