Story Highlight
– Gabby Stonkute collided with a bus after running a red light.
– She suffered severe injuries, including brain bleeding and fractures.
– Bus driver was experienced, driving below legal speed limit.
– Gabby advocates for road safety awareness after her accident.
– Increase in cycling accidents linked to rising e-bike usage.
Full Story
A 35-year-old woman has come forward to share the details of a serious cycling accident that occurred in the City of London last July. Gabby Stonkute, a manager at a credit rating agency, was involved in a collision with a bus after running a red light while riding a Lime bike. The incident took place as she hurried to a hair appointment in the vicinity of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Recalling the moments leading up to the accident, Ms Stonkute remembered the traffic lights changing from green to red and thinking, “I could make it.” This decision led her directly into the path of a bus, resulting in a traumatic head-on collision. Following the accident, she spent a week in an induced coma at the NHS Royal London Hospital, where medical staff informed her of the extent of her injuries.
Remarkably, the bus driver involved had a commendable record, boasting a 30-year career with no prior points on his licence, and was driving at 15 mph—below the legal limit of 20 mph—factors that Ms Stonkute attributes to her survival. She sustained a multitude of injuries, which included bleeding on the brain that necessitated emergency surgery, a collapsed lung, ten fractures to her face, a broken jaw, a fractured nose and chin, damage to almost all of her teeth, and injuries to both eye sockets. To monitor her condition, doctors frequently roused her from the coma to check her eyesight.
Upon regaining consciousness, Gabby was struck by the nonchalance of the medical professionals treating her, who appeared accustomed to the severity of her injuries. They informed her that 70% of patients in similar positions survive, but only 25% manage to walk away without long-term complications. “I’m incredibly lucky not to have any of that,” she expressed.
In the aftermath of the crash, the City of London Police approached Ms Stonkute with a request to share her story and the accompanying CCTV footage in an effort to deter others from jumping red lights—a common infraction among cyclists that carries a £50 fine. Although she accepted the invitation, Ms Stonkute was cautioned about the potential for online trolling. Nevertheless, she stated, “I’ll take it as long as it does some good.”
Statistics show that the City of London has a significantly higher proportion of road accidents involving cyclists compared to other areas. Ms Stonkute noted that the presence of other cyclists who also violate traffic rules sometimes creates a false sense of security, as “you’re not alone.” This reckless behaviour has led to calls from various quarters—including police, medical professionals, and lawmakers—to initiate a national campaign aimed at raising awareness and reducing accidents linked to unsafe cycling and car use.
City police have advocated for the government to impose a ban on kits that modify e-bikes to exceed their legal speed limits. These kits are often utilised by individuals engaging in criminal activities, such as phone snatchers and delivery workers. Jaison Patel, an orthopaedic knee surgeon at the Royal London Hospital, noted a worrying increase in cycling accidents since more Londoners have opted for e-bikes as a commuting solution during the pandemic. He emphasised that e-bikes generally result in more severe injuries compared to traditional bicycles due to their heavier weight.
Data from the Royal London Hospital reveals that during the first half of 2025, there were 202 limb injuries associated with traditional bicycles, while e-bikes accounted for 125 such injuries. Fabian Hamilton MP, who chairs the all-party parliamentary group for cycling and walking, acknowledged the growth in cycling activity across London, saying it holds multiple benefits including less road congestion and improved public health. However, he cautioned that adherence to the Highway Code is essential, urging all road users to remain vigilant to avoid endangering themselves or others.
The recent updates to the Highway Code have introduced a hierarchy requiring individuals to take greater care for more vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Sarah McMonagle, external affairs director at Cycling UK, highlighted the need for increased public awareness regarding these changes, stressing that the government must enhance communication to reach cyclists and drivers alike.
Londoners frequently express their concerns about near-misses involving cyclists and delivery riders who disregard traffic signals. Hamilton raised concerns about the significant reduction in the number of road traffic police over the past decade, which may hamper enforcement efforts. City police have stated that they face restrictions regarding fines, with one officer noting that any penalty exceeding £50 necessitates court proceedings. Despite these challenges, the police continue their efforts to improve road safety, focusing on preventing cyclists from running red lights and developing strategies to alter road user behaviour.
Police Constable Brett Daniels from the City of London’s Road Policing Unit commended Ms Stonkute for her courage in participating in a campaign aimed at discouraging red light infractions, suggesting that her experience could save lives and prevent serious injuries. He stated that her commitment to raising awareness about the dangers associated with jumping red lights is commendable.
As experts in the field, surgeons like Mr Patel emphasise that while preventive measures are feasible, their implementation often lies beyond their purview. “What we can do as surgeons is highlight the issue,” he said, expressing hope that someone will take notice and initiate effective action.
Reflecting on her experience, Ms Stonkute remarked, “I was just reckless,” while acknowledging that her prioritisation of being on time had catastrophic consequences. She also shared her emotional burden, stating, “I will forever carry the guilt and heartbreak for the emotional pain I caused those around me.” Through this harrowing incident, she hopes to guide others away from similar dangers, urging vigilance among cyclists in order to foster safer roads for everyone.
Our Thoughts
The incident involving Gabby Stonkute highlights several key safety lessons and regulatory breaches related to UK health and safety legislation. Primarily, the act of running a red light constitutes a clear violation of the Highway Code and represents reckless behavior that significantly increases the risk of collisions, particularly for vulnerable road users such as cyclists.
To prevent similar incidents, stricter enforcement of traffic laws and regulations is essential. Increasing police presence and the visibility of law enforcement can deter cyclists from engaging in risky behavior, such as jumping red lights. The recommendation for a national campaign to raise awareness around cycling safety is critical, as education can mitigate risks associated with cycling in urban environments.
Moreover, the use of e-bikes, which poses unique safety challenges, necessitates regulatory scrutiny regarding their modification and speed capabilities. The inadvertent promotion of unsafe cycling habits, alongside inadequate public knowledge of updates to the Highway Code, exacerbates risk levels.
In closing, stronger adherence to traffic regulations, increased educational initiatives, and enhancements in infrastructure and enforcement can significantly reduce the prevalence of cycling accidents and improve overall road safety.
