The safety device for an elevator system comprises a retractable element mounted on a support. The retractable element has a stopping position in which a catch portion of the retractable element projects from the support to engage a triggering member of a safety brake associated with an elevator car as the elevator car traveling in a selected direction approaches a selected vertical position, anda retracted position. An actuator selectively controls the position of the retractable element. A position sensor is responsive to the position of the retractable element to make sure that it is in its stopping position when needed.