The Annual Red Flag Horseless Carriage Tour is returning for its fifth year next weekend. Organizer Jeff Krug said the tour is inspired by events from the late 1800’s in England. The “Horseless Carriage,” a precursor to the automobile, had a 4 mph speed limit. To exceed the limit, they had to be preceded on foot by a person carrying a red flag. In 1896, the law was amended to 14 mph, and to celebrate they had a run from London to Brighton, England. Five years ago, the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce and Henry County Tourism Board were approached about recreating the English event, traveling from New London to Brighton, and the organizations agreed to pursue it.

The event has annually drawn an average of 20 vehicles from all over the country. This year, however, Krug says they’ve doubled in size and already have 41 vehicles from 1920 and earlier registered for the tour. Due to the number of vehicles participating and the fact none of them travel faster than 20 mph, the tour is being aided by local law enforcement. Krug reminds people to treat the vehicles as they would any slow-moving vehicle and exercise caution while passing. The Red Flag Tour festivities start on Thursday, September 22nd with a trip to Washington, and run through Saturday, when the ride from New London to Brighton will take place. For more information, listen to the In Touch with Southeast Iowa interview with Krug.