Drivers in Salemburg spent some time Monday afternoon trying to get around an intoxicated man driving his bicycle in the middle of N.C. 242 around 7 p.m.

According to reports from the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, Paul David Herring, 62, of 1967 Corinth Church Road, Salemburg, was charged with driving while intoxicated and impeding traffic after the incident Monday.

He was taken to the Sampson County Detention Center and placed under a $500 bond. Herring was released on bail later in the evening.

According to Capt. Eric Pope, concerned citizens called in to report it the suspect’s actions after noticing him driving eratically along N.C. 242

“He was intoxicated, riding around in the roadway impeding traffic,” Pope said. “He was immediately arrested.”

Pope reported that there were no accidents or injuries related to the incident, because drivers who were approaching Herring did so with caution as they pulled up on him.

According to North Carolina’s Pedestrian Laws, a bicycle is not considered a vehicle for purposes of impaired driving [§20-138.1(e)]. However, bicyclists should not mix drinking and bicycling. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, alcohol involvement was reported in more than one-third of bicycle fatalities last year.

The state recommends that if you are intoxicated and need a ride, “do not drive, do not ride your bike. Walk home, hail a cab, or get a friend to pick you up.”

Herring was given a trial date of May 4. He has no prior convictions, according to the N.C. Department of Corrections.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@myclintonnc.com.