Transportation is about more than moving people; it’s also about the people that move transportation. We owe thanks to Black inventors whose innovations laid the groundwork for the transportation systems we use today. #BlackHistoryMonth

Matthew Cherry patented improvements to the velocipede, a pedal-less predecessor to modern bikes. He also invented the tricycle, which in our time has evolved into a more stable and accessible option for many people to travel than standard two-wheel bikes. http://blackpast.org/african-american-history/cherry-matthew-183

Garrett Morgan invented a 3-phase traffic signal after witnessing a serious crash in Cleveland, patenting it in 1923.
http://transportation.gov/connections/garrett-augustus-morgan-inventor-gas-mask-and-traffic-signal

Granville Woods invented numerous railroad systems that are still in use today, including an electrical system trains use to communicate their location and avoid collisions. http://thoughtco.com/granville-t-woods-1992675

Charles B. Brooks patented improvements to the street sweeper in 1896: a system of revolving brushes that could be exchanged with scrapers for snow removal. http://thoughtco.com/charles-brooks-inventor-4077401

Dr. Gladys West was a mathematician on the team that created the military-grade predecessor of GPS. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-metro-black-history-gps-pioneer-gladys-west-20190206-story.html

Know of other Black inventors who made improvements to how we get around? Please share their stories with us!