Unite, Ride, and Thrive: Pedalé 1804 Celebrates Haiti Heritage Month with Community Bike Ride and Scholarship Initiative.
May 13, 2024
On Saturday, May 18, the North Miami Haitian Heritage Month Committee, The Children's Trust, and their partners present Pedalé 1804, an 18.04-mile tri-city bike ride, featuring stops at significant Haitian American landmarks in the cities of North Miami, North Miami Beach, and Miami. As part of the City of North Miami’s 2024 Haitian Heritage Month Celebration, this event promises to unite riders of all levels and embodies the spirit of "L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE"—Unity Makes Strength. Attendees opting not to ride can enjoy the Wellness Oasis, taking place simultaneously at North Miami’s MOCA Plaza. Registration for Pedalé 1804 begins at 7 a.m., in MOCA Plaza, with the bike ride promptly beginning at 7:30 a.m. The Wellness Oasis kicks off from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. MOCA Plaza is located at 770 NE 125th Street, North Miami, FL 33161. Pedalé 1804 isn't just a ride. It's a movement. More than just physical exercise, this tri-city bike excursion aims to spotlight South Florida's rich Haitian community. Landmarks along the bike route include the Toussaint Louverture Monument, Little Haiti Cultural Arts Center, and Green Space Miami.
"Our mission is to bring the community together for a great cause while honoring the contributions of Haitians and Haitian Americans to our local communities. As an avid rider, I am excited to bring together the community for a fun activity that promotes our health and well-being while also making stops at local businesses and community spaces that have a significant impact on the promotion of Haitian culture," said John Lorfils, the event's organizer and Co-Chairman of the City of North Miami’s Haitian Heritage Month Committee.
“As someone who rarely does bike rides, I am excited to challenge myself. If I can do it, I am confident that anyone can,” said Vanessa Joseph, Esq., North Miami’s Elected City Clerk and Honorary Co-Chairwoman of the Haitian Heritage Month Committee. We will make stops along the route so riders of all levels can get some rest, hydration, and a quick stretch. But, if all you want is to take it easy, the Wellness Oasis will allow you to do just that."
Back at the Plaza, North Miami’s inaugural Wellness Oasis will feature low-impact workouts, health and wellness vendors, and a farmer's market showcasing an array of Haitian-owned businesses. In a groundbreaking initiative to invest in tomorrow's leaders, the Pedalé 1804 team will take to the stage to announce the recipients of the Pedalé 1804 Scholarship, which was open to graduating high school students. Recipients will receive $1,804 toward their academic journey. This scholarship was made possible through the support of the City of North Miami, The Children’s Trust, the Office of City of Miami Commission Chairwoman Christine King, E.C. Management Corporation, Team of Hope, and the Little Haiti Revitalization Trust.
For more information about the City of North Miami’s Haitian Heritage Month festivities, please contact Lorna Louis-Pierre at llouis-pierre@NorthMiamiFL.gov.
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Media Contact
Sa'Vanna D. Smith, Communications Officer II
305-893-6511, Ext. 12156
ssmith@northmiamifl.gov
About the City of North Miami
North Miami is a suburban city located in northeast Miami-Dade County, Florida. It is roughly 10 miles (16 km) north of Miami. The city lies on Biscayne Bay which surrounds the Biscayne Bay Campus of Florida International University. North Miami is home to a diverse demographic of residents. With more than 64,000 residents, North Miami is the sixth largest city in Miami-Dade County. We are home to the Oleta River State Park; the largest urban park in the Florida State Park System and the nationally accredited Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA North Miami).