Mar 28, 2023 2 min read

Ray Carter loved to teach children how to ride a bike.

Unfortunately, Carter passed away Feb. 13, 2022 due to COVID at the age of 61.

In his honor, Ray’s Rides is scheduled for May 27 in the parking lot of the Spencer YMCA in Bethel Park with a purpose of teaching children how to ride a bicycles. Also, bicycles will be provided to children who may never have had the opportunity to own one and they will be taught to ride a bike as well.

“I wanted to purchase some bikes and go to some nearby neighborhoods and not just give the bikes away,” said his wife Monica. “My husband was one that nobody where we were, whether we were at his mother’s house or down in the park, he was always showing someone how to ride a bike. All the nieces and nephews, all of the kids in the neighborhood, know how to ride a bike because of my husband.”

Members of Carter’s family will be on hand to offer instruction in riding a bike.

Initially, Monica Carter just wanted to have a small event. However, it has grown substantially and now the Spencer Family YMCA has gotten involved. 

The YMCA will be providing refurbished bikes to every child that that registers for Ray’s Rides. Each also will receive, a brand new bike helmet, plus a Ray’s Rides T-shirt and water bottle.

“Once the Y took over being responsible for the bikes, which just blew my mind, this has just been a complete blessing,” Carter said. “I’m just honored to be able to do this for my husband. The fact that so many people are getting on board is just amazing to me. It grew. I’m overwhelmed “

Carter said she has heard from women who said their child has had a bike but has not been able to learn how to ride it, so some people will be bringing their own bikes.