September 22 is World Car-Free Day, and cycling enthusiasts in Kunming organized a green cycling event, which was also the first activity that Cheng Zhigang, the "One-Armed Brother" from Huangshan, Anhui, participated in after arriving in Kunming.
A car accident 14 years ago caused Cheng Zhigang to lose his right arm, and his left foot and both eyeballs were also disabled to varying degrees. However, this did not depress him; instead, it inspired his dream of "cycling across China." His actions have now spread widely across much of China, and he is known as an inspirational figure, called the "One-Armed Brother" or "Brother Sha Zi."
According to Cheng Zhigang, the "Cycling Across China" activity mainly follows tourism routes and is divided into two phases. The first phase ran from April 16, 2012, to July 7, 2013, passing through provinces and cities such as Zhejiang, Sichuan, and Liaoning, covering a journey of more than 16,700 kilometers. It was mainly aimed at challenging himself and appreciating the beautiful landscapes of the motherland.
The second phase runs from July 9 to December 31 of this year, passing through Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan, and other places, with Jiangxi as the final stop of his cycling journey. The goal is to promote traffic safety. For this purpose, Cheng Zhigang also specifically wrote the "Traffic Safety Initiative," using his own story to advocate for everyone to follow traffic rules. He also volunteers as a traffic guide in the cities he passes through and gives public welfare speeches.
Next, Cheng Zhigang plans to cycle to Yuxi, Yunnan, and intends to complete his cycling plan within his zodiac year this year. He said it is "very meaningful." Today, he is not only a promoter of traffic safety but also an advocate for environmental protection. With the meager strength of a single grain of sand, he spreads the positive energy of social civilization, touching more and more people.