[1] Manfred Neun was born in 1950 in Heidenheim an der Brenz, Baden-Württemberg, Southern Germany where his parents ran a nursery.

He has a brother, Dr Hansjörg Neun, who has been director of the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU (CTA) since May 2005.

After his degree, he was involved in research studying economic psychological aspects related to public and private transport in an urban environment.

In ECF, Neun thought to adopt a more scientific based approach to Velo-city conferences and cycling advocacy in general.

[9] Neun also advocated for cycling on a global level at the 2011 International Transport Forum, participating in panel discussions on mobility rights and innovation.

[10] Neun's initial election as the president of the European Cyclists' Federation was in 2005 at the annual general meeting in Brijuni, Croatia.