Abstract: A rescue device for use in traversing a cable of an aerial transportation system, the rescue device including a frame carried by a pair of wheels for movement along the cable, the frame including a portion extending below the cable, and a lever arm having opposite ends and being pivotally connected intermediate its opposite ends to the downwardly extending portion of the frame. A suspension device such as a harness is attached to one end of the lever arm and is intended to support the rescuer. A brake pad or shoe is mounted on the opposite end of the lever arm and is positioned below the cable. The weight of the rescuer on the harness functions to cause engagment of the brake pad with the cable. A brake control lever projects from the end of the lever arm supporting the brake pad and is pulled downwardly by the rescuer to control the force of the brake pad against the cable.