THE FIRST MECHANICAL BICYCLE

The first mechanical bicycle was invented by Kirkpatric Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith who lived from 1812 to 1878. Macmillan’s contraption had a wood frame and iron rimmed wooden wheels. The front wheel which provided limited steering, was approximately 30 inches and the rear was 40 inches, attached to pedals via connecting rods. It weighed around 60 pounds.