A scenic route through Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park has become an object of sharp dispute among residents, with neighbors divided on whether it should reopen for vehicle traffic or remain accessible only to pedestrians and cyclists.

“It’s really remarkable how one fairly short road has garnered so much public attention and media attention,” Councilwoman Erika Strassburger, D-Squirrel Hill, said during a public hearing Thursday where residents expressed opposing viewpoints on the best use for Serpentine Drive.

Some argued the road should reopen for vehicles, citing its usefulness as a quick connection to Oakland. Others said they prefer it as a pedestrian and cycling trail — as it has been since repairs closed the road a few years ago — that offers a safe area for people to enjoy the park away from speeding cars.

“Driving through the park is not only expedient but pleasant,” Greenfield resident Audrey Glickman said. “Serpentine Drive was made for vehicular traffic.”

Travis Benn, a Squirrel Hill resident, said he thinks the disagreement boils down to “whether we should prioritize cutting a few seconds from drivers’ trips or preserve a safe, car-free connection through one of Pittsburgh’s most heavily used parks.”

“We already have convenient roads to drive, but we need a safe route to bike,” said Catherine Adams of Greenfield.

Others indicated they’d like to see the road open to both cars and bikes — though Councilwoman Barb Warwick, who represents the area, previously told TribLive that proved to be infeasible.

“Our city parks exist for all city residents, most of which need to drive to get to the park,” said Tony Indovina, who lives in Greenfield. “I really believe bicyclists can share the road safely with cars.”

An 80-foot stretch of wall along Serpentine Drive failed in the summer of 2019. Officials replaced and repaired about 265 feet of the wall, including portions with loose, missing or deteriorated stones.

The city previously solicited feedback through its Engage PGH online portal. Of the 179 responses received there, 129 people supported the plan, said Molly Onufer, a spokeswoman for Mayor Corey O’Connor.

Residents in the past few weeks submitted dueling petitions to council requesting a hearing on the topic. The petition in support of keeping the road open only to bicyclists and pedestrians had 175 signatures, compared to 38 on a petition encouraging officials to reopen the stretch.

Warwick said she received more than 50 emails from residents urging her to support keeping the road closed to cars and four voicing the opposite opinion.

Strassburger said the issue seems to be a microcosm of a broader debate around who has the right to use certain spaces and how people move through the city. She acknowledged “valid concerns on both sides of the issue” but said the majority of people who have voiced their opinions expressed a desire to keep the road closed to traffic.

“I believe it’s time to put this to bed and move on,” she said, explaining the city has other issues to tackle. “This is a decision that has already been made.”