Just answering the first question, google says the first use was in January 2001:

They link to WhyCycle which refers to a page by TheCyclingExperts titled "The Bicycle Shaped Object." Since both sites are UK sites, the first use on the internet seems to be from the UK in 2001.

It's not clear if the site came up with the term themselves or if it was in use before 2001.... I'm actually surprised that Sheldon wasn't the originator.

Just answering the first question, google says the first use was in January 2001 in the UK:

They link to WhyCycle which refers to a page by TheCyclingExperts titled "The Bicycle Shaped Object." Since both sites are UK sites, the first use on the internet seems to be from the UK in 2001.

It's not clear if the Cycling Experts came up with the term themselves or if it was in use before 2001.... I'm actually surprised that Sheldon wasn't the originator.

Sidenote: This other site dated 2009 also says that the term originated in the UK: