UPDATE MAY 22: The city of Henderson released a statement regarding plans at the intersection.
"The City of Henderson already has plans to construct a pedestrian crossing with a rectangular flashing beacon at that location (Boulder Highway near College Drive). The project is in the final stages of design and will go out to bid this summer. In the meantime, we are encouraging pedestrians to cross using the traffic signal at Boulder Highway."
ORIGINAL STORY
HENDERSON (KTNV) -- Senior citizens in Henderson are illegally jaywalking because they say they don't have a choice.
Now they're worried for their safety.
People who live in the College Villas Senior Apartment community near Boulder Highway and College Drive often shop at the 7-Eleven across the street.
Nora Burns, one of the residents, says for her neighbors without cars, it's the only store within walking distance.
"Walking distance" is smaller for them because many of them use walkers or canes.
"I usually jaywalk which is not legal but we need some sort of a stop or something," said Burns, who uses a walker.
The alternative is to walk down to Boulder Highway and use the crosswalk, but the round trip is at least a quarter-mile and for the seniors with hip or knee problems, they just don't physically have what it takes to make it that distance.
Making it even more dangerous is that to come home, it's nearly impossible for pedestrians to see any cars coming around a bend in the road.
"I've had several close calls coming back," said Randy Smith, a neighbor in a motorized chair.
Burns says drivers speed and will hit pedestrians if they're not careful.
Smith notices drivers ignoring him and his neighbors.
"They think because it's a senior home you're all disabled or you're dying which isn't true," he said. "I've had some of the best times of my life right here."
Burns, Smith and their neighbors say they'll take any safety improvements to the road they can get.
City of Henderson offices are closed Fridays, making officials unavailable for comment.
