Here at the start of America’s longest road (Route 20), amputated by the nation’s longest interstate (I-90), fenced in by Storrow Drive, you sometimes feel like you’re taking classes in the middle of a traffic rotary. Mix in a few Red Sox games, the T, the one-way streets, the occasional construction project, plus kamikaze pedestrians, and you get the beautiful mess that is Boston’s daily rhythm.

No wonder bikers aren’t welcomed with open arms in this dysfunctional transit family. Here are some inside tips for navigating the insanity.

East Campus/Kenmore Square
Kenmore Square poses a considerable challenge. Recent renovations have lessened the confusion, but hurdles remain. A bike lane trails out to central campus, and this is a good guideline, but you’re on your own if you want to go down Beacon to get to South Campus. I’ve found it’s best to use red lights to advantage. It’s 10 times easier to get over to a right-leaning lane when cars are stationary. Once you slide over, get a bit of distance over the stop line and wait for the green.

I avoid Kenmore by cutting over to Bay State Road, which remains a safe alternative to Comm. Ave. through east and central campuses. Just remain mindful that it’s one way toward CAS; stop signs do a good job of slowing down speeding cars.

Central/South Campus
The bike lane would make this a safe and easy stretch — if people acknowledged it. Door-happy automobilists and double-parked trucks don’t, so keep your eyes open and be ready to turn at a moment’s notice. Cummington Street offers a similar alternative as Bay State if you don’t feel up to Comm. Ave.

St. Mary’s is another one-way street that’s de facto two-way for bikers. Except for Park Drive, most South Campus streets are tame. Whenever traveling from South to West or Allston, I find it easier to take backstreets through Cottage Farm rather than negotiate Park Drive and the BU Bridge. Here’s a “shortcut” that’s pretty safe and enjoyable.

West Campus
BU Bridge traffic is ALWAYS a mess, especially during evening rush hour. If you intend to cross the river to Cambridgeport, be prepared to rub tires with a few cars. Always keep an eye on drivers behind you and to your left.

I don’t know if they ran out of paint, but for some reason the Comm. Ave. bike lane drops off just before CFA. Coupled with an uphill slope, West Campus seems less biker-friendly. Just keep your eyes on the prize (and drivers’ doors) if you’re heading toward Packard’s Corner.

Andrew McFarland can be reached at afarland@bu.edu.