Yellowknife (July 04/03) - An injured cyclist is suing the city for about $500,000.

Cyclist Amanda Halldorson filed the law suit against the city in 1997 and has been involved in a lengthy court battle ever since -- because the city is denying responsibility for the incident.

Halldorson is claiming she sustained injuries after the front wheel of her bike became lodged in an uncovered hole on July 28, 1996, causing her to be thrown from her bicycle.

Halldorson's statement of claim cites several different types of injuries she received from the incident, including incomplete paraplegia.

The paraplegia involves the loss of sensation, reflexes and motor control below her shoulders.

Halldorson is claiming her injuries occurred due to the individual or combined negligence of the city and an unidentified company.

The company was installing a sewage or drainage system on the city property where Halldorson says the hole was left uncovered and unmarked.

The claim states "the city knew or ought to have known that the hole in which the wheel of the bicycle became lodged constituted an unusual danger to bicyclists invited on the property."

But the city's statement of defence denies each allegation from Halldorson's statement of claim.

The city denies bicyclists were invited onto the property and states the property was a utility corridor and not intended for public use.

Among several defence claims, the city is saying the incident occurred because Halldorson was "riding her bicycle when her judgement faculties were impaired by the consumption of alcohol."

The statement of defence says the person or business who provided Halldorson with alcohol, despite the fact she was a minor at the time of the incident, should be held responsible.

Lawyers involved with the case would not comment on when the two parties will appear in court.