Significant Scots - Kirkpatrick Macmillan

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Significant Scots
Kirkpatrick Macmillan

Macmillan, Kirkpatrick (1813-1878) A Scottish blacksmith who lived in Courthill, Dumfriesshire who is believed by many to have built the first pedal-powered bicycle in 1839. According to legend, a customer brought in a swiftwalker for repair and Macmillan made a copy for himself, later, he added treadles, rods, and cranks to supply power to the rear wheel.

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