COLUMBIA - 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.

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.