Friends?

Once you've been friends with someone is it safe to move onto dating?
I've been chating with an old friend of mine lately and it sounds as though he wants to move it to another level. First, I need to ask myself if I'm interested that way. Honestly I don't think so. He's a great guy don't get me wrong, just not for me. He lives just over an hour north of me, and I really want someone that I can see on a regular basis. Plus, I know the trash he usually goes out with. One used to be my roommate. From the "sounds" of things he's pretty good in bed, but that's not enough. He is always texting me too. I hate texting. Why can't he just pick up the phone and call? I've told him that I'd like to stay in touch, but as friends. He's coming into town Sunday and wants to buy me a drink. I think I'll meet up with him, but buy my own as to not give the wrong idea. I told him that I was dating and he asked why I was looking. A says he wants me and is trying to talk me into dating him. Kinda frustrating. I really don't want anything but friendship from him.
It's settled then. It doesn't matter if it's ok to move forward because I don't want to. I've been honest with my feelings from the get go. Hopefully meeting up with him doesn't change his thoughts on the subject.