Abstract: An escalator drive assembly includes a backup member (40) that facilitates controlling movement of the escalator (20) even when the normal drive assembly operation is interrupted. A backup member (40) in the form of a flange (42) is associated with a drive pulley (34) and normally rotates in unison with the drive pulley (34). When there is a failure in the normal operation of the drive mechanism, however, there is a resulting relative movement between the backup member (40) and the drive pulley (34). Such relative motion preferably activates a switch (80) that provides a signal that indicates a failure of the normal operation of the drive mechanism. The backup member (40) facilitates providing an indication of a failure and control over movement of the escalator (20) even when the normal drive assembly is not operating as intended.