Cape Coral exploring options of benches, signage, lights at school bus stops

After a hit-and-run driver killed an 8-year-old girl at a Cape Coral school bus stop Monday, the city explores options to make waiting for the bus safer.

Cape Coral Mayor Joe Coviello said some of the options the city is exploring includes benches, additional signage, street lights and more. They are exploring a multitude of things to protect children at bus stops.

Layla Aiken, a second-grade student at Trafalgar Elementary school, died after she was hit by a truck while waiting for her school bus at the corner of NE 3rd Ave. and NE 19th Terr.

“What happened in our city was a horrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Layla Aiken.” said Cape Coral Mayor Joe Coviello. “All options for bus stop safety are on the table and will be explored by the City, Lee County School District, LCEC and our traffic engineers we will discuss all possible solutions to bus stop safety at a future council meeting.”

The School District of Lee County said the state does not require sidewalks or street lights, but said it will review the bus stop to see if changes need to be done.

Mayor Coviello says all the bus stops should have lights, so the city would like to know about stops that may not have sufficient lighting.

“We need to create a layered safety approach to protect our children.” Coviello added.

Cape Coral Police say they have a red pickup truck believed to be involved in the hit-and-run crash and it’s considered evidence for investigative purposes.