Not gendered… but different from each other? A structural equation model for explaining risky road behaviors of female and male pedestrians

•Risky behaviors have shown to be greatly involved in pedestrian’s crashes and injuries.•This paper assessed the effect of gender on pedestrians' risky walking behaviors: errors and violations.•The data from 1,070 Spanish pedestrians was analyzed through Multi-Group Structural Equation Modeling (MGSEM).•Key structural differences on psychosocial predictors of risky walking were found between female and male pedestrians.•Gender-based interventions may enhance the prevention of risky behaviors, increasing walking safety and healthier outcomes.