Fewer wheels hit the road this morning in the Copper Country as people joined in on Keweenaw Bike to Work Day.

The communities of Houghton, Hancock, Calumet, Lake Linden and the campus of Michigan Tech all took part in the Western U.P. Health Department-sponsored event.

Western U.P. Health Department health education coordinator Sara Salo said, “We hope that when people ride today for Keweenaw Bike to Work Day, it will really inspire them to maybe get on their bike a little bit more often and try bike commuting as a everyday sort of transportation option.”

Several snack stops were set up to offer refreshments and repairs, if needed.

It’s all part of an overall effort to promote bike riding in the area.

“We’re working real hard on our bike trails and bike safety in town,” Houghton City Manager Scott MacInnis said. “We have a very active Bike Committee in this community.  They have a lot of things on their agenda they want to do.  We’re showing everybody it’s time to get out and ride your bike and put the snow shovels away.”