One of Gov. Mark Sanford's vetoes threatens a motorcycle safety course that saves lives in the state with the highest rate of motorcycle deaths in the country, the program's founder says.

Sanford's decision to eliminate $118,675 in state funding "is a real shame," said Wayne Wilkes of Columbia PowerSports, who has overseen the program since its inception in 1990.

South Carolina has the highest rate of motorcycle deaths in the country. In 2000, the most recent year for which statistics are available, there were 15.9 deaths per 100,000 registered motorcycles.

In Georgia, there were 6.9 deaths per 100,000; in North Carolina, 11.9 deaths.

In South Carolina, only bikers age 20 and younger are required to wear helmets.

The $118,675 that Sanford vetoed pays for three motorcycle safety classes at technical colleges around the state. Motorcycle dealers also donate $120,000 a year in equipment, Wilkes said.

"We save lives with this program," he said.

In his veto message, Sanford said: "Although it is my understanding this is an effective program, I am vetoing this item because it should be funded through tuition or general operating funds as would be the case with other technical college programs."

Created in 1990, the program originally was paid for by a grant through the Department of Transportation. The statewide program is overseen by Midlands Technical College with money from the S.C. Motorcycle Dealers Association and the state.

Its future without state money is very much in doubt, said James Hudgins, executive director of the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education.

"If they terminate the funds, we would have no choice but to terminate the program," Hudgins said.

Students already pay part of the cost of the classes. An introductory motorcycle safety class costs $125, intermediate classes are $80, and expert classes are $60.

The program could survive by greatly boosting those prices, Hudgins said, or by a higher contribution from dealers.

That's possible, Wilkes said.

"We'll somehow continue the program," he said.

House Minority Leader James Smith, D-Richland, said Sanford should not have vetoed money for the program just because he had a problem with the way it's funded.

"I wish he would have communicated that with the General Assembly rather than kill a program when we have the worst safety record in the country," Smith said.