The Austin City Council today will consider taking an initial step toward regulating electric dirt bikes and mini motorcycles, or e-motos.

Why it matters: A growing number of children and teens are riding the high-powered bikes on Austin streets, alarming residents and prompting safety concerns from local officials.

Driving the news: The resolution from Council Member Paige Ellis would direct the city manager to update regulations and enforcement for the bikes and train Austin police officers on the new rules.

• The resolution also directs the city manager to explore a designated recreation area where riders could legally use e-motos off public streets and trails.

What they're saying: "In conversations with my constituents and APD, it's clear that this is an important safety issue," Ellis, who represents West Austin, said in a statement.

• "I'm eager to find a way forward that prioritizes child safety and creates more clarity for everyone when it comes to how to minimize danger when using e-moto bikes."

How it works: Electric dirt bikes and e-motos aren't the same as e-bikes.

• E-motos have a similar frame to e-bikes, but they have a throttle — like a motorcycle's — that propels the e-moto without pedaling.
• E-motos can go 30-60 mph, while e-bikes are pedal-assisted and the electric motor cuts out at 28 mph.

Zoom in: In Austin, there is no local code dictating where e-motos can operate, meaning they can be ridden on roads, bike lanes, sidewalks, shared-use paths, park trails or drainage infrastructure, according to Ellis.

Context: The city doesn't track accidents involving electric dirt bikes or e-motos specifically.

Zoom out: Austin joins a growing number of cities and states beginning to regulate e-motos as their popularity surges, especially among young riders.

• The bikes have become increasingly visible in neighborhoods, in parks and on major roadways, where riders are often seen weaving through traffic, riding wheelies or operating without helmets.

What's next: City Council members will meet at 10am.

• You can watch online or in person at City Hall.

👋 Hi, it's Asher.

Lately a lot of my old friends have been asking me about my rooting interest as the NBA Finals roll around.

The backstory: I grew up on the Upper West Side of NYC, a diehard Knicks fan.

• My favorite tee, in heavy rotation in junior high, featured the big man Patrick Ewing and a postal-style stamp that said "Return to Sender."
• But just over two decades ago, shortly after grad school, I moved to Austin — when the Knicks were really bad and the Spurs were fantastic.

True story: One of our kids carries the middle name Emmanuel, in honor of Spurs great Manu Ginobili.

The rub: The Knicks have won the Eastern Conference Finals and could face the Spurs — putting me in a potentially tough spot.

• The Spurs, who have made a concerted play to win more Austin fans, are down 2-3 in the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
• They must win Game 6 tonight to force a decisive Game 7.

The big picture: Austin is a town of newcomers, and many of us have to balance old loyalties with new ones.

The bottom line: I'm sorry to disappoint my 15-year-old self, but should San Antonio survive their series against the Thunder and face the Knicks, the rooting decision will be an easy one — Go Spurs Go.

🎓 Gov. Greg Abbott extended a tuition freeze for Texas public universities. (KLBJ)

📱 Thousands have signed a petition criticizing Alamo Drafthouse's QR-code ordering, arguing it changes the moviegoing experience in Austin. (Austin American-Statesman 🔒)

🏗️ The car dealer company Carvana is planning to build a 172,000-square-foot facility east of State Highway 130. (Austin Business Journal 🔒)

🤑 A Leander resident has claimed a share of a $20 million Powerball jackpot. (Fox 7 Austin)

Here's what caught our eye this weekend...

Friday

🩰 Watch "Ballet Under the Stars," by Metamorphosis Dance, at the Zilker Hillside Theater, with performances on Friday and Saturday at 8pm. Free.

🇧🇷 Swing your hips to Brazil Night at the Sahara Lounge, with performances by Zazueira Allstars and Ginga Brazil. $14. 7:30pm.

Saturday

🎭 Attend "Light," a one-woman play about the bond between a father and daughter told partly through Chinese shadow puppetry. 7:30pm at the Dougherty Arts Center. Tickets run $39.

Sunday

🏟️ Cheer on the Sol, the Austin professional ultimate frisbee team, as they face Seattle at Parmer Field at noon. $14, kids under 12 free.

Hizzoner has named his doggies.

Catch up quick: Earlier this month we told you that Austin Mayor Kirk Watson had adopted a pair of dogs from Austin Bulldog Rescue — and had yet to land on names.

• You wrote in with your (very sweet) suggestions.
• Our favorites might have been Barton and Eddy.

The bottom line: Watson revealed in his latest Watson Wire newsletter that his English bulldog will be known as the Bear — a name several of you had suggested. He'll also be known as Sugar Bear, Honey Bear or just plain old Bear.

• "The little Frenchie goes by le nom Coco (as in Coco Puff)," he wrote.