First Self-Propelled Bicycle or the Two-wheel Velocipede
In 1839, A Scottish man named Kirkpatrick Macmillan from Scotland invented the first mechanically-propelled bicycle. This first pedal bicycle was propelled by a horizontal movement of the rider's feet on the pedals. This movement was transmitted to rear wheel by connecting rods. Although this self-propelled bicycle helped riders to operate the bicycle with more convenience and higher speed, the machine was extremely heavy so it wasn't that popular. This bicycle was considered a hoax.
He never even patented it!
Kirkpatrick MacMillan never thought of patenting his incredible invention or trying to make any money out of it. Other people saw potential in his invention and soon copies began to appear for sale. Gavin Dalzell of Lesmahagow copied MacMillan's machine in 1846 and thereafter gave the details to so many people that for more than fifty years, he was generally regarded as the inventor of the bicycle.
He never even patented it!
Kirkpatrick MacMillan never thought of patenting his incredible invention or trying to make any money out of it. Other people saw potential in his invention and soon copies began to appear for sale. Gavin Dalzell of Lesmahagow copied MacMillan's machine in 1846 and thereafter gave the details to so many people that for more than fifty years, he was generally regarded as the inventor of the bicycle.