Nature and Gardening

Not from California, but for the most part, domestic honeybees will only sting when they feel threatened. You’re more likely to be stung around a hive during a nectar dearth, when the hive is Queen-less, etc. And from what I’ve heard, some hives are just assholes (thankfully never experienced that with my own hives) and always protect themselves — but that’s almost always when you’re in close physical proximity.

If you’re getting stung on a bike, I’d say you’re either near an active hive(s), in which case you can change your route if you locate the hive, or (perhaps more likely) you aren’t getting stung by honeybees. Where I live, wasps are the more likely culprit.

You’re anecdotal pattern is pretty spot on, you’ll notice less bee/pollinator activity as daylight draws to a close. Early mornings are usually fine too. Following the flowering pattern in your region can help too — more flowers, more bees (though again, honeybees are very unlikely to sting you far from their hive), and as fall sets in, the nectar dearth starts to impact behavior.

Well, I'm not sure if I'll be able to help you with your issue but yes, you can avoid them by going out in the early morning before their hives have warmed up or in the late evenings after they have gone back to the hive for the night.

Also, in general bees are fairly localized; they fly within two miles or so from their hive and capitalize on preferred nectar and pollen sources when they are available. So, perhaps there are certain problem areas that are close to a hive or close to some attractive flowers.

Lastly, you may not be getting stung by honey bee.