You know them, you've encountered them and you probably hate them. Many of us have had to contend with bikers during our commutes, and it can often feel like they were put on the road specifically to get in the way of motorists. Though it may seem like cyclists and drivers are destined to be at each other's throats for all eternity, there are a few things to keep in mind that can ensure the road the two of you share remains smoothly paved. 

Respect their space
You've heard the share the road slogans before, and it's time to take them to heart. The fact is, there are more bikes on the road now than ever before – The Washington Post reported that the D.C. area alone has seen an 86 percent increase in the number of people commuting by bike instead of car between 2000 and 2009, and in total the city streets see an additional 16 million bikes hit the road every year. Unfortunately, this surge in bikers has come with its share of growing pains. Roughly 45,000 bikers are injured and 700 are even killed every year due to traffic accidents.

The fact is that the roads are no longer just for cars, and evidence of this is becoming more and more prevalent. Bike lanes line most major city streets, and it's imperative that as a motorist you keep out of them. Not only is parking or driving in bike lanes rude, it can force cyclists into more dangerous areas populated by cars; that's how accidents happen. Not all streets have bike lanes, which means you'll be sharing not only the road, but likely your lane as well. According to Edmunds, giving bikers three feet of space between them and you is instrumental in promoting safe road sharing, so much so that it's been passed into law in 20 states.

Bikes are not cars
We're all prone to a little road rage every now and then, but consider the fundamental difference between bikes and cars. Collisions between motor vehicles can cause damage and increased insurance premiums, while a collision with a biker who is almost completely unprotected can cause serious injury. Understand that bikers are more vulnerable than you drivers, and make an effort to drive more defensively.

If you're stalwart in pledging your loyalty to the motorist camp, head to NJ State Auto Auction. On the lot you'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, and an in-house finance team dedicated to helping you afford the used vehicle of your choice – the road sharing afterward is up to you, of course.