Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a blacksmith, was the inventor of the first practical bicycle, in 1834.
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Macmillan's machine had foot pedals, a crank and rods transmitting power to the rear wheel, while previous cycles, called hobbyhorses, were propelled by the rider's feet on the ground. Macmillan's model was followed by chain-driven bicycles. Cycles became popular after 1888, when they were first fitted with pneumatic rubber tires.