Stop on red, go on green and use appropriate turn signals — most motorists know these basic rules of the road. But most drivers don’t know what to do when they encounter a cyclist on the road.

The Outdoor Adventure Center’s Share the Road campaign this week aimed to remedy the lack of education and to advocate biking safety in the Shoals area.

“It’s hard to feel confident walking or riding to class when you aren’t sure if you’re safe,” said McKenzie Martin, coordinator of outdoor programs and special events at the OAC.

Martin became aware of the need for this event when she was a graduate student at Ole Miss.

“A girl in my department was hit and killed by a car,” she said. “She was doing all the right things: wearing bright colors and a helmet and taking the road with confidence. That event really stuck with me.”

Martin stressed the importance for motorists and cyclists to know the rules of the road to prevent accidents.

“I witnessed a motorist yell at a coworker riding her bike in the road, ‘Geton the sidewalk!’” she said. “It’s a lack of education.”

According to the League of American Bicyclists, Alabama prohibits the driving of any vehicle on a sidewalk.

Under this law, bicycles are considered vehicles.

The Share the Road campaign stresses pedestrian safety as well.

Pedestrian safety is an important issue in densely populated areas like college campuses, according to the League of American Bicyclists.

UNA student and OAC member Christian Walker hasn’t had any run-ins with cars while biking but has frequently felt unsafe as a pedestrian.

“Cars here don’t stop very well,” he said.

The OAC has been set up in the GUC since Monday providing pamphlets and safety tip cards to students who sign the Share the Road pledge.

With the original goal of 200 signatures for the week, the group passed their halfway mark by Tuesday.

Martin hopes to take the program further in the future.

“I want to make this more city-oriented,” she said.

Support and feedback from students will be sent to Florence Mayor Mickey Haddock in hopes of getting bike lanes or more Share the Road signs in the Shoals.

“It’s easier to drive,” Martin said. “When you make the decision to bike to work, you’re not only being health conscious but environmentally conscious as well.”