Misconceptions about biking and driving: Drivers understanding of Missouri bicycle laws

Abstract Introduction Bicycling has numerous health benefits, such as improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, and significant risk reductions for cardiovascular disease, cancer, and obesity and has benefits to the environment. However, motorists' behavior has been shown to be a significant barrier for people to bicycle. Therefore, it is important to examine licensed drivers’ knowledge of the policies that guide roadway interactions with bicycles. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was developed and distributed to Missouri licensed drivers. A bivariate linear regression and multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to determine which factors predict overall driver knowledge score for bicycling laws. Results Demographic factors such as living in non-metropolitan areas [micropolitan, small town, and rural] (p  Conclusion Drivers who do not bike have less knowledge of bicycling laws in Missouri. Interventions to promote roadway safety for bicyclists should focus on drivers who do not bike and on education related to lane positioning, green paint use, and bicycle-related signage.