Jack is six-years-old, and a student at Thornell Road Elementary School in Pittsford. Jack’s mother, Katie Palumbo said, “For his birthday this year, Jack said he wanted a brand new bike. Jack has a limb difference, his left arm ends at his elbow, so a standard bike would not work for him. We needed someone that has the ability to modify a bicycle so he can ride, just like the rest of his friends.”
They found him, David Silloway, owner of Bike Zone, 2100 W. Ridge Road, in Greece. Silloway has owned the bike shop for 26 years. He said, “When Jack’s mom contacted me about modifying the bike she said she had been calling other bike shops for help, without success. I thought, that sounds like something that I have done many times before, so I wanted to see what I could do. I like helping people solve issues to keep them riding their bikes.”
Silloway met with Jack and his mom, discussed their needs, looked at the bike, and took measurements. Using his expertise, Silloway modified the bike so Jack can now ride. “I found parts not meant for what I did to the bike. I modified it by making a brace for Jack to lean his elbow against. Jack was involved in the process of adapting his bike. That kept him encouraged, and he was happy that he could ride with one hand, and feel stable,” Silloway said.
Katie said the process of working with Silloway, for both her and Jack, was very easy. She said, “Dave is very creative. He came up with a few different ideas so that Jack could ride. We are really grateful. When you have a child with different needs, and you find someone who is willing to go the extra mile to help, it is so reassuring. Dave studied the physics of the bike with the modification, and worked out how Jack would best be able to balance the bike. He even made it adaptable so that the bike will grow along with Jack. It is so appreciated to find someone willing to help. It is nice that he is local so we don’t have to travel, or send away for a bike.”
Jack is currently in the process of learning to ride the bike without the training wheels.
Silloway has been helping people stay riding through adaptations, for many years. He said, “ We take each request, case by case, and address individual needs. It is about caring enough about the customer to not close the door on them, and really wanting to see them ride again. I am willing to step up to the challenge, it really feels great to help in that way.”
The Bike Zone is located at 2100 W. Ridge Road in Greece and specializes in good quality bikes, backed up with parts and repair service and offers a complete line of bike related accessories. For more information on Bike Zone visit www.bikezonebikes.com or call 585-225-7960.
